In a recently released statement, the consumer union (ULC) criticises the substantial increase in prices in the retail and services sectors.

The ULC recognises that many companies have recorded significant losses and dwindling profits due to the coronavirus crisis. Many shops also had to put in place new sanitary measures because of the safety and hygiene regulations, all of which come at a steep price.

However, the ULC goes on to call for retailers and service providers to adjust their prices moderately or not at all, if possible – pointing out that many employees are on short-time work and only have 80% of their salary at their disposal. The union demands that consumers should be spared any unnecessary price increases, and that the burden of the crisis should not be put on their backs. Especially food and other commonly used products should not become more expensive.

In order to enhance private purchasing power, the ULC demands among other things an automatic adjustment of the tax table to the inflation rate, a stop to the burdening of the middle class, or a tax exemption for people receiving minimum wage.