The attacks by the Union and employers on the welfare state and employees are becoming more and more outrageous. We demand a stop to these clear-cutting debates. They unsettle people, stifle the weak economic recovery and bring no growth.
Employees are not the problem – they are the solution
What is currently being described as a “reform debate” is an indictment for the Union and many business associations. With this campaign you want to distract from the many strategically wrong decisions in the executive suites and the major challenges: lack of investment in infrastructure, education and transformation, lack of collective bargaining, unfair tax policy and misguided economic policy. Instead of tackling these construction sites, a radical social clear-cutting is being called for – with increasingly adventurous proposals at the expense of the people in the country who are supposedly too lazy, too sick, and too often working part-time. These debates divide our society, endanger democracy and do not solve any problems.
We unions say clearly: We will not tolerate any further attacks on employees and the welfare state. If you want to have employees on your side and strengthen democracy, you have to strengthen good wages and working conditions as well as social security instead of playing people off against each other.
We demand an end to the debates that only unsettle and divide society. Instead of demolition plans for labor rights and the welfare state, more tax justice is needed for high incomes and assets. Instead of denying employees their hard-won rights, decisive reforms are needed to move Germany forward.
Reforms are not good if they particularly hurt people. Good reforms create growth, strengthen social cohesion, provide perspectives and move Germany forward.
We unions are calling for a change of course: away from sham debates and towards real reforms – to which the rich and uber-rich must finally contribute.
We unions are ready for a constructive dialogue about the future of our country. Together we want to shape a solidarity-based, democratic and fair society – a society in which good work, fair wages and social security are a given for everyone.
Together for a strong welfare state. Together for good work. Together for a fair future.
German Trade Union Confederation and member unions
Quotes from the union leaders
Yasmin Fahimi, DGB chairwoman: “Instead of addressing the pressing economic and structural problems of our country, workers are being made into scapegoats. Sending people to work when they are sick or asking them to retire later – that doesn’t bring a single new job to our country. It is a complete illusion to believe that economic growth can be generated by clear-cutting the welfare state. This constantly brought up debate about cuts in social achievements is disrespectful and shabby. You “It completely ignores the reality of the employees and is just fuel to the fire of growing social discontent. 2026 must not be a lost year for employees.”
Christiane Benner, First Chairwoman of IG Metall: “The Union is currently working completely out of touch with reality. The situation in the industry is not easy, and we need growth and future-proof business models. But the solution means: investments, modern infrastructure, innovations and qualified, motivated employees. Half-baked ideas that simply aim to gradually take away more and more rights from people are of no help to anyone. Stop these smokescreens that fuel insecurity and anger. Bring on constructive, sensible ones Reform suggestions. We can talk about lifestyle whatever and not going to the dentist.”
Frank Werneke, ver.di chairman: “From cuts in continued payment of wages in the event of illness, the introduction of waiting days for sick leave, the abolition of the eight-hour day and the cancellation of dental treatment to the weakening of the statutory pension as a central pillar of old-age security, the socio-political clear-cutting fantasies of the last few weeks range from parts of the Union, including the Federal Chancellor. The threats against large parts of the working population, the Pensioners and recipients of citizens’ benefit must come to an end. In difficult times, people don’t need a neoliberal horror show, they need security and confidence. This is what we as unions will fight for.
Michael Vassiliadis, Chairman of the IGBCE: “Ever new, increasingly strident proposals to burden employees are disrespectful and will not bring Germany back on the growth path – on the contrary: they rightly outrage the people who are already working beyond the limit of overload. Anyone who wants to promote a departure into an innovative future, anyone who wants to promote ideas and commitment to our country, must place more trust in the working population.”
Maike Finnern, chairwoman of the Education and Science Union (GEW): “It all starts with good education. Everyone agrees on that – at least in theory. The practice: Despite the enormous shortage of skilled workers, employers offer a lot of part-time jobs for skilled workers in daycare centers. You can hardly live on the salary as a part-time daycare worker, especially if you have a family to feed. Many studies show: the workload in schools is so high that it is dangerous to your health. To protect yourself, Many teachers buy part-time work to maintain their health. It has nothing to do with lifestyle.”
Jochen Kopelke, chairman of the police union (GdP): “This mean welfare state debate affects us police officers just like everyone else in our country. Many police officers work part-time shifts because there is not enough childcare available. Police officers have to fear for their pension and are also directly affected by price increases for nursing care insurance and health insurance. It is wrong to now abuse civil servants to divide society and start a violent debate about envy. We police officers protect people every day and earn money also protection from the wild political attacks on our own security in the welfare state.”
Robert Feiger, Chairman of IG Bauen-Agrar-Umwelt (IG BAU): “There is no justifiable reason for cutting benefits or further raising the retirement age. Nevertheless, this pseudo-debate is always reignited when the economic situation deteriorates. Anyone who argues like this puts millions of employees under general suspicion. This is disrespectful and distracts from the actual problems. Pensions are particularly important in construction, crafts or industry 65, 66 or 67 are already hardly achievable for many of our colleagues. Instead of demanding more from employees, the Chancellor must protect employees and finally make collective bargaining binding the rule.”
Guido Zeitler, Chairman of the Food, Pleasure and Restaurants Union (NGG): “Instead of making employees scapegoats for failed policies, the Union should rather focus on tackling the urgently needed change. The hospitality industry shows how big the problems are: around half work on low wages, collective agreements are the exception and there is a shortage of skilled workers everywhere. Many people do their job every day with full commitment – often to the limit. They have earned more. Who else now? Demanding longer working days only makes things worse. We are clearly committed to strong protective rights, more collective bargaining and really good working conditions.
Martin Burkert, Chairman of the Railway and Transport Union (EVG): “Our colleagues keep this country moving every day under difficult conditions. But instead of recognition and respect, the Union spreads horror fairy tales and unsettles the very people who keep the business running. This alien policy from above ignores the reality of the employees and will meet with determined resistance. Anyone who believes that they can enforce social cuts is mistaken. The common good is not secured through pressure on workers, but through greater participation from wealthy people and heirs.”