DGB is planning nationwide protests against social cuts

The German Federation of Trade Unions (DGB) wants to protest against social cuts with demonstrations in many German cities today. The central event for North Rhine-Westphalia takes place in Essen. The DGB federal chairwoman Yasmin Fahimi is also scheduled to speak there.

Under the motto “Hard earned! Your work. Your health. Your Pension” will be followed by a demonstration march through Essen city center in the morning (from 10 a.m.). The union is expecting several thousand participants at the rally on Burgplatz at the cathedral (11.30 a.m.). Buses from many cities drive to the rally in Essen.

“Instead of striving for real reforms that stimulate the economy and give people confidence, the federal government is relying on cuts at the expense of employees,” criticized the North Rhine-Westphalian DGB state leader Thorben Albrecht. People have a right to a functioning welfare state.

DGB: Social security is at stake

“Anyone who pays contributions month after month has a legitimate right to good health care, social security and a reliable pension. That is exactly what is at stake now and we are defending ourselves against it,” emphasized the trade unionist.

Protests are planned in 15 major cities nationwide. DGB leader Fahimi emphasized that the rallies wanted to send a clear signal to politicians. “The employees are not responsible for the wrong decisions in politics and business in recent years,” she said. “It is the wrong way to present them with the bill by dismantling the welfare state and workers’ rights.”