Thousands demonstrate at the DGB day of action in Baden-Württemberg

In Stuttgart and Freiburg, thousands of people took part in a nationwide day of action organized by the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB). The motto was: “Hard earned! Your work. Your health. Your pension.” The DGB Baden-Württemberg said the aim was to send “a clear signal against cuts in the welfare state and deterioration in work”. According to the DGB, 16,000 people took to the streets in Stuttgart and 4,500 people in Freiburg.

“The federal government is presenting us with a package of less pensions, more harassment in the event of illness and social cuts,” said DGB state leader Kai Burmeister, according to the announcement. The employees refused to accept this austerity package and sent it back to Berlin. “The benchmark for fair reforms is: More growth, secure jobs and social justice belong together,” said Burmeister.

A total of rallies against the government's course were to take place in 15 major German cities, including Berlin, Leipzig, Hanover and Frankfurt/Main.