Tens of thousands demonstrate in Essen against social cuts

Well over ten thousand people protested against social cuts in Essen. The German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) spoke of 18,000 participants, the police of 12,000 participants.

Under the motto “Hard earned! Your work. Your health. Your pension.” The DGB had called for rallies in many German cities. The DGB said that the numerous participants who came to Essen alone sent a clear signal against the federal government's planned cuts in working conditions and the welfare state.

“Our rights and our social security have been fought for by generations - and if they are attacked today, then we will stand together and defend ourselves with all our might,” said DGB federal chairwoman Yasmin Fahimi at the central North Rhine-Westphalia rally, according to a statement. Especially in a changing economy, people need security and therefore “a welfare state that doesn’t let anyone down,” said Fahimi.

DGB calls for a change in the reform course

A strong economy does not come about by dismantling social security and putting further strain on employees. “It is created through investments, through innovations, through good work and good wages that secure purchasing power,” said the DGB chairwoman according to the speech manuscript.

The DGB state chairman Thorben Albrecht also called on the federal government to change direction in its reform course: “Whether abolishing the 8-hour day, extending fixed-term contracts, increasing the retirement age or abolishing the pension without deductions after 45 years of insurance: Instead of striving for real reforms that will stimulate the economy, the federal government is relying on cuts on the backs of the employees. That's the wrong way."

According to the German Federation of Trade Unions, around 175,000 people took to the streets in 15 cities nationwide on the day of action.

Sharp criticism from business owners

Clear criticism of the union position came from the state association of business associations. In a statement, its general manager Thomas Pöttering accused the DGB of “blatant denial of reality”. The DGB is acting “grossly negligently if it wants to persuade people with days of action and demonstrations that everything can stay as it is.” The courage for structural reforms is now needed: “I expect that the federal government will not water down the reform package now, but will demonstrate the ability to act and now fully implement it as announced,” said Poettering.