CCOO said that stores usually operate with very tight staffing levels and that work rates are becoming increasingly demanding. Patricia Mariño, CCOO’s general secretary at Lidl, warned that the situation is not temporary and that any sick leave, absence or vacation period increases pressure on the remaining workers.
The union acknowledged that Lidl has covered some absences, although it maintained that replacements do not always arrive quickly enough or make up for the staff shortage. When a worker is absent, CCOO said, the tasks remain the same and ultimately have to be distributed among those who remain in the store.
CCOO CALLS FOR MORE STAFF IN STORES
CCOO believes that the combination of reduced staffing levels, an increase in tasks and pressure to meet deadlines and targets has caused significant strain among workers. It is therefore calling for Zaragoza stores’ teams to be strengthened so that absences do not directly affect working conditions.
“What we are demanding is that staffing levels be increased, that sick leave and absences be covered from the outset, and that the agreements reached with Comisiones Obreras be upheld,” Mariño said during the protest
THE UNION WARNS OF FURTHER PROTESTS
CCOO has denounced the alleged failure to comply with certain agreements reached with Lidl and called on the company to take measures to reduce the workload. It also pointed to situations that could affect the exercise of trade union freedom at some stores.
The union organization warned that it would continue the protests if changes are not made. “We will continue to stand outside the stores in Zaragoza for as long as necessary. This is not over,” said Lidl’s CCOO general secretary.
