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Germany: Ver.di says that Euro introduction can be too tough on shop workers German UNI Commerce affiliate Ver.di warns that shop workers will be under too much pressure when the new European currency is introduced on 1 January. The union calls on employers to take on additional personnel and to waive the responsibility of cashiers during a transition period. Franziska Wiethold, who is responsible for commerce in the Ver.di executive, says that the shop workers will carry the main load of the transition to Euro, as it takes place just after the hectic Christmas trade season. Wiethold criticises German retailers also for poor planning and implementation of training activities. She is quoted by Lebensmittelzeitung, a leading German business magazine. Particularly cashiers will be under much pressure during the transition period and should not be made responsible for mistakes, Wiethold says. Uli Dalibor, head of the Ver.di Commerce department confirms that there is a real risk that cashiers will be put under pressure by their employers. Also the Wal-Mart works council has underlined the need for training in connection with introducing the Euro, in an open letter to management. They have also called for a three month period, during which cashiers' responsibilities for mistakes should be waived.
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