In a troubling revelation, dramatic working conditions at Kaufland have come under fire, as reports from trade unionists and undercover investigations shed light on the plight of employees. The Saarbrücker Zeitung reported on April 3, 2025, that workers at the Kaufland store in Homburg have been facing extreme conditions, raising serious concerns about their treatment.
According to the report, Kaufland has repeatedly been criticized for its handling of employee welfare, with the trade union Verdi being one of the most vocal critics. The situation prompted the RTL-Redaktion Team Wallraff to deploy undercover reporters at various Kaufland locations, including in Saarland, to investigate the company's practices. This investigative effort has led to further accusations against the retail giant.
In the heart of Germany, Kaufland operates under the umbrella of the Schwarz-Gruppe, which is also home to Lidl, one of the world’s largest discount supermarket chains. The Schwarz-Gruppe boasts a staggering annual turnover of approximately 167.2 billion euros and employs nearly 600,000 people across its various subsidiaries. Kaufland, in particular, is said to hold a special place in the heart of its founder, Dieter Schwarz, who is known for his reclusive nature and significant philanthropic contributions to his hometown of Heilbronn.
Dieter Schwarz, who is now 85 years old, has built an empire that not only includes supermarkets but also ventures into artificial intelligence and cybersecurity through his company Schwarz-Digits. His vision is for Kaufland to evolve into a digital retailer akin to Amazon, yet the current issues within the stores pose a stark contrast to this ambitious plan.
Reports of deficiencies in dozens of Kaufland markets have surfaced, leading to concerns about the health and safety of both customers and employees. As the company seeks to innovate and expand its digital footprint, these operational challenges could undermine its reputation and future growth.
As the investigation by RTL continues to unfold, the spotlight remains on Kaufland and its parent company, the Schwarz-Gruppe. The juxtaposition of Dieter Schwarz’s immense wealth and the troubling reports from employees raises questions about corporate responsibility and the treatment of workers in one of Germany’s largest retail chains.
In conclusion, the situation at Kaufland serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges within the retail industry, particularly regarding employee welfare. As investigations progress, it remains to be seen how the company will address these serious allegations and what measures will be taken to ensure the safety and well-being of its workforce.
