The food retail sector is in growing need of personnel. The massive increase in the demand for food caused by the Covid-19 pandemic is putting a strain on capacities, especially in sales and logistics. In light of this situation, Bundesliga football club Borussia Dortmund has decided to enter into a personnel cooperation with its partner REWE. More than 20 employees have already made use of it – and the number is rising.

BVB temporary workers on hourly contracts, who are affected by the restricted operations – in the fans shops, in events and catering, or at the Hohenbuschei training ground, for example – but still want to put themselves to good use, can choose to work unbureaucractically in REWE subsidaries. They will be hired for a limited period of time under the standard conditions at REWE and can return to BVB once the crisis has ended. Their contracts of employment with Borussia Dortmund will be "suspended".

"The current situation causes financial uncertainty for many temporary workers. For their benefit we have worked on a solution and found one with our partner REWE," declared Carsten Cramer, Borussia Dortmund's managing director, who added: "The food retail industry is a system-relevant industry that is dependent on support. In return, BVB employees who temporarily work for REWE have the opportunity to put their income situation on a secure footing."

Martina Reisch, CEO of REWE Dortmund, said: "Our long-standing partnership with BVB is a success story that makes us proud. We are very pleased about the cooperation offer and are grateful for this uncomplicated and flexible solution. In times like these, it is of the utmost importance for us to be there for the people in our region. This shows that the team spirit at BVB and REWE applies off as well as on the pitch."

Markus Evers, who manages the Herdecke REWE store on Mühlenstraße, says that many a shelf has been emptied in record time due to panic buying. "We need additional helping hands to refill them quickly. At the same time, the flow of customers is not abating, so we really have to keep our eye on the ball," he explained. The cooperation with BVB ensures that it is provided with more staff at short notice – for example, to label products, place them in the shops and quickly deal with queues. "This is a good thing!" Evers said.

BVB employee and student Alina Fröse believes "that the cooperation is a good opportunity for me to earn money while studying. I also have the feeling that I am needed here in the branch." Oualid Belcaid, who normally works at BVB in events and catering, is "simply glad to be able to work here at REWE temporarily". The campaign also makes "real sense" when you consider the current wave of solidarity. "We're living through a crisis. And we are all affected!" Belcaid said.