DGB protest day against social cuts: Thousands take to the streets nationwide

The German Federation of Trade Unions (DGB) protested nationwide against social cuts on Saturday - thousands of demonstrators also gathered in the north. According to the police, there were 3,500 people in Kiel and 700 in Rostock. The DGB Nord reported significantly higher numbers: 5,500 in Kiel and 1,400 in Rostock. There were 13,000 demonstrators in Hamburg. The police there did not want to release a number in the afternoon.

The DGB's motto was “Hard earned! Your work. Your health. Your pension.” called for the nationwide day of action. According to the trade union federation, “a clear signal for a strong welfare state, secure jobs, good working conditions and the protection of employee rights” should be set.

Demos in 15 major cities nationwide

The DGB and its eight member unions claim to represent 5.4 million members. Rallies and demonstrations were planned in 15 major cities. According to the DGB, the main rally took place in Essen.

«We have paid in. We have made this country strong together,” said the chairwoman of the DGB North, Laura Pooth, in Kiel. “Not young against old. Not employed against unemployed. Not women against men. Not people with a German passport against people with an immigration history. Our superpower is solidarity.” The DGB North District includes the federal states of Hamburg, Schleswig-Holstein and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.

Criticism from employers

Germany's employers sharply criticized the day of action. “The unions say no to almost every change,” said the general manager of the Confederation of German Employers’ Associations (BDA), Steffen Kampeter, to the German Press Agency. “You dream of the world of yesterday.” Everyone wanted secure pensions, good care and efficient health care. “But demographics, skills shortages and international competition cannot be explained away.”