Trade unions, social cuts and resistance: almost 25 years of theory and practice

dossier

“…The broad acceptance of the performance principle and wage dependency as the only source of livelihood security has proven to be the biggest obstacle to effective, uniform protests and resistance to the Hartz laws. This applies equally to the trade union bureaucracy as well as to most of the (still?) employed and unemployed wage earners themselves. (…) This propaganda also brought the trade union leaders on board, who have always seen their primary task as “getting people into work”. (…) The mixture of the alleged lack of alternatives to wage dependency and the fear of Hartz IV makes the workforce accept further sacrifices in wages and working conditions instead of upholding the standards they fought for for the benefit of all wage earners…”  Bitter balance in theArticle by Mag Wompel from February 1, 2005 in the Grassroots Revolution – 20 years later the situation repeats itself almost unchanged, which is why this dossier gives rise to new hopes and arguments that have remained unchanged (and unfulfilled) for 25 years…

• [Sample application to the DGB unions] 2026: Protest cascade including strikes against the government's horror agenda is necessary - beyond regional actions
  See the attacks in 2026 (Due to rearmament and discipline: The Merz government's “reform package” breaks all records in the comprehensive dismantling of the rudiments of the welfare state)the planned protests, theCalls to and from the DGB unions as well as their (lack of) resistance 
  • What protests are already planned by the unions?
    • DGB is calling for nationwide demonstrations on September 26th: "Hard-earned! Your work. Your health. Your pension" ["Hard-won" would not have excluded many]
      
      • Defending the welfare state means stopping the course of war! 01.09. – September 21st – September 26th – 03.10. – October 16th/17th: Join protests! Organize resistance! 
        “It is good and overdue that the DGB unions are now finally mobilizing against job destruction, social cuts and the historically greatest attacks by capital and government on our hard-won rights. But that's not enough. The connection is still not stated clearly enough: social cuts and attacks on our rights are the inner side of a war course with which German imperialism is once again striving for military strength and great power status - supported by the capital circles whose interests it represents. (…)Days of action and Saturday rallies alone will not stop the general attack on our social and political rights and the war drive. The bosses and their government have declared social war on us. September 21st and 26th must therefore become real LABOR STRUGGLE days: with actions in companies and departments, during working hours, with work stoppages - even a real strike. Because our rights were not begged for. They were fought for…”Call of the initiative 'SAY NO! Trade unionists against war, militarism and truce from August 25, 2026 
      • [“It was a difficult birth, but now the unions have done it.”] Protest against austerity plans: making a wave for social issues
        “It was a difficult birth, but now the unions have done it. They are protesting under one roof against the social cuts of the black-red federal government. A large wave of demonstrations is expected to sweep across the country at the end of September. (…)
        The SPD is perhaps the reason why the DGB took so long. At the head of the umbrella organization is Yasmin Fahimi, a former SPD general and state secretary. Although she criticizes the federal government's plans from time to time, sometimes the Social Democrats apparently get away with her. After the coalition committee presented its reform plans on July 1st, she stated in a press release that they sent “the right signals for employment, growth and relief”. This annoys many people and Verdi's union council chairwoman Lisette Hörig (the union council is the highest body between union meetings) wrote a letter to "dear Yasmin", which the "Junge Welt" reported on, in which she asked whether Fahimi actually still had everything on the fence.
        No, of course she didn't write it that way. She wrote: "As unions, we are not there to moderate political compromises or to comment favorably on government decisions. We are not a corrective to coalition discipline and certainly not a stirrup holder of a federal government." Anyway.
        Now Fahimi had also written in her message that she doesn't think everything is good. The DGB will “not accept without comment” the extension of the unfounded time limits on employment contracts to 48 months and because of the abolition of telephone sick leave, the DGB will “keep a close eye on the effects”. Ohhh. This certainly gave the comrades in Berlin something to think about. It may not have been Fahimi's fickle soft-spokenness that finally persuaded the unions to stage a joint public protest now, 14 months after the austerity government began its work. Verdi had demonstrated much earlier that the statutory health insurance reform was hitting its members in hospitals and social work hard. (…)
        In major politics, the protests so far have been acknowledged with a shrug of the shoulders. People want something different? Doesn't matter. As a neoliberal, Dad Merz already knows what is good for us. Billions from the debt package will go to special funds for armaments, the rest will be cut. It is fitting that the unions are at the forefront of the protest movement against the attacks on the welfare state. Especially since the Merz-Klingbeil government is not only destroying the welfare state, but is also massively attacking workers' rights. People are particularly annoyed by the plan to abolish retirement after 45 years of contributions. The representatives of IG Metall at Mercedes-Benz also wrote an open letter to the Chancellor with the title “Stop the class struggle from above!“  . (…)
        In the coming months, despite the summer break, we must mobilize diligently. Apparently this is supposed to happen primarily via social media. Last week, the DGB Baden-Württemberg invited people to a “press event” at which representatives from all member unions made statements. But they actually met for social media posts; there was no time for questions and answers. In addition to the statements on the edge of Stuttgart's Schlossplatz, the most important thing was that everyone held a colorful cloth to throw red balls into the air, which was of course filmed and photographed for Insta, Facebook, etc.We can only hope that the argument in the mobilization campaign for September 26th, when the wave of demos is set to roll out nationwide, will be more effective. And that it is best for the DGB boss to say nothing more.”Article by Gesa von Leesen from July 29, 2026 in CONTEXT:Wochenzeitung 800 
      • “Hard-earned” – For a strong welfare state and the protection of workers’ rights
        “The German Federation of Trade Unions and its member unions shout under the motto "Hard earned! Your work. Your health. Your pension." for a nationwide day of action. On September 26th, rallies will take place in 15 major cities. Together, the unions are sending a clear signal for a strong welfare state, secure jobs, good working conditions and the protection of workers' rights.
        Yasmin Fahimi, DGB Chairwoman: "Social benefits are earned benefits, not handouts. People always act as if the welfare state is nothing more than a cost factor. Yet it is part of our understanding of prosperity, our economic location, an expression of a fair society. Those who work every day and create the prosperity of our country must not be declared a problem…”DGB press release from July 20, 2026 
        • “Hard earned!” and then “social benefits are earned benefits, not alms” in our opinion potentially excludes many groups of people among wage earners, from the unemployed to the long-term sick and disabled right up to those whose goals are not necessarily “hard” work, if it is wage work...
          With such a focus on actively “hard” working people, one could also have called for company actions (strikes!?)… (a lot could still be said about the work-centered understanding of the welfare state…)
      • On the promotions pagehttps://www.dgb.de/mitmachen/campaigns/aktionstag-socialstate/ There should be ongoing information about the (exclusive) rallies in Berlin, Bremen, Erfurt, Essen, Frankfurt am Main, Freiburg im Breisgau, Hamburg, Hanover, Kiel, Leipzig, Magdeburg, Nuremberg, Rostock, Saarbrücken, Stuttgart
    • [Chemnitz on September 9, 2026] The lawnmower is started. We stand against it.
      “On September 9th, 2026, at 4 p.m. we will take to the streets from the Chemnitz trade union building - against local cuts and against the federal government's attacks on the welfare state and workers' rights. Together we show that public services, good work and social security cannot be reduced. (…) The problem is not that people have too high expectations. The problem is a policy that organizes too little money for the community and then passes the bill on to employees, families, children, the sick and people with little income. While large assets and inheritances are spared, savings should be made at the bottom and in the middle. Against this, we will take to the streets together on September 9th…”Call from August 20, 2026 to the ver.di district of Saxony West-East-South 
    • Is the DGB planning a nationwide day of protest against the Union and SPD reform package on Saturday, September 26th in all federal states?
      
      • Criticism of the reform package: DGB is planning a nationwide day of protest against coalition policies
        “The savings associated with the reform package from the Union and the SPD would have a “strong impact on low- and middle-income workers,” criticized the chairman of the Verdi union, Frank Werneke, in the Ulm-based “Südwest Presse” in an interview published on Friday. The date is therefore Saturday, September 26th. On this day, joint rallies by trade unions under the umbrella of the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) will be called in all federal states to protest against the dismantling of workers' rights and cuts in the social sector, said Werneke. The DGB federal executive board decided this this week…”Report from July 10, 2026 at n-tv.de 
      • “The social cuts are the biggest impoverishment program in our history”: cuts, armaments – and a DGB that keeps its feet still?
        “The political scientist Ulrike Eifler warns of the consequences of the reform package. (…)
        Eifler: I think the severity of the social attacks should not be underestimated. In order to meet NATO's five percent target, the federal government wants to invest almost half of its budget in armaments from 2030 - every year. The upcoming social cuts are the largest impoverishment program in the history of this country. There are the first protests against this – such as the Ruhrpott Rebellion.A central day of action by the DGB is to follow on September 26th. The same majority that voted for the reform of the statutory health insurance will also vote for pension cuts or the abolition of the eight-hour day. There is a need for protest against this now.
        [To be honest, one has to say that the DGB has not yet appeared as a fundamental critic of these measures, has it? Was there a failure and what needs to change?]
        Eifler: I wouldn't speak of failure. But I would classify social partnership as a path that has weakened us in recent years. Colleagues need to experience what success as well as defeat feels like in order to grow from it. We can't take that away from them. That's why I think talks with the federal government that aim to avoid union protest or to pacify our discontent are wrong. Broad social protests do not weaken us, they strengthen us, and they would be important preparation against possible attacks by the AfD.”Telepolis interview from July 13, 2026 by Luca Schäfer (emphasis ours)
      • Not found anywhere else (at the DGB)…
    • [IG BAU] Red card for clear-cutting: demo dates against social cuts in 2026
      “Fewer health benefits, declining pensions, rising care costs, working longer: the federal government's “reform plans” will result in massive cuts to our social security. It's time to take an offensive stand against it and show: Not with us! Together with the DGB and other associations and organizations, we as IG BAU are calling for resistance against social clear-cutting to take to the streets now. For example at the events listed here. Continuously updated!..”Report from IG BAU from July 2nd, 2026 with a tabular overview of nationwide demos against social deforestation in 2026 and also:
      • Why are there protests against the reform plans?
        What social cuts mean in 2026 and why it is important to organize resistance against it: to the article “Defend the welfare state!” 
      • The DIE LINKE party is organizing further actions against the dismantling of the welfare state: "Enough is enough! Making life affordable." 
    • [NGG] Save the welfare state together! Protest actions against social cuts
      “Pensions, health, care, working hours – hardly a day goes by without attacks from parts of politics and employers on the welfare state and the rights of employees.Instead of looking at how the economy can get back on track and how our welfare state can be financed more fairly and made future-proof, the debate primarily revolves around cuts and savings.We demand a stop to these clear-cutting debates. They unsettle people, stifle the weak economic recovery and bring no growth.This has to end!The welfare state is not the problem, but the basis for social security, social cohesion and a good life for everyone.That's why we're taking to the streets together with the DGB unions and other associations and organizations! Be there!…”Overview of the NGG from June 30, 2026 
    • [IG Metall] https://www.igmetall.de/politik-und-gesellschaft/aktions-gegen-den-socialbau 
    • [Hamburg] July 3rd, 2026, 3:30 p.m. – Speersort: Demonstration: “No” to social clear-cutting – welfare state rescuers stand together!
      “The welfare state is a real treasure: it is not a luxury, but an expression of lived solidarity and the backbone of democracy, economy and social cohesion. It protects against life risks and enables a self-determined life in freedom and diversity. At the same time, it is far more powerful and less expensive than its opponents claim. Therefore, anyone who attacks the welfare state is attacking our democracy and our future.We know: Prosperity does not come from sacrifices or longer working hours, but from good wages, fair working conditions and respect for those who keep this country running. But: The employees have long been working at their limits. It is all the more outrageous that attacks on the welfare state are being sold as a solution to the crisis…”Call at ver.di-Hamburg and similarDGB Hamburg (IGM HH not found), see also:
      • Say NO! on the “reforms” of the Merz government! Organize resistance in the workplace and on the streets!
        “We welcome the fact that IG Metall Hamburg has called for a rally “Against social deforestation” on July 3rd. But we have objections to the IGM's call. The term reform is used several times in the call. For us, reforms have always been and are improvements for wage earners! The social cuts by government and capital are counter-reforms. They use language against us!..”Leaflet at Jour Fixe of the Hamburg trade union left 
    • [27. June 2026 in Berlin] That’s enough! Come to the demonstration for the welfare state
      "We, a broad alliance of trade unions, AWO, social and welfare associations and the Berlin tenants' association, call on us not to accept the attacks on our welfare state unchallenged. (...) At the end of June, the federal government will publish its "reform plans", which will, above all, entail massive cuts to our social security. Fewer health benefits, declining pensions, rising care costs, working longer hours – the list of cruelties is long. The burden is placed on the employees - while the rich and wealthy are spared. That's unfair! The welfare state is not a problem - it is the basis for security, cohesion and a dignified life for everyone. That's why we're taking to the streets together. We make it clear: stay away from the pension! Stay away from health insurance! Stay away from care! Stay away from the 8-hour day!
      Our demands are clear: secure the welfare state for the future; Investments in social security, good work and public services; Solidarity instead of division. Let's send a strong signal together; for social justice, for solidarity and for our common future…” Demo call from June 2026 from the DGB Berlin-Brandenburg for June 27, 2026 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Invalidenpark, Berlin - see also "Stay stable - shape socially: How we save the welfare state. Enough! Come to the demo for the welfare state"The call from ver.di (ver.di Bund!) for June 27th in Berlin
      • Stop now. Protest, resistance, strike! Against the attacks on our social achievements!
        “Come to the demo: Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 12:00 p.m., Invalidenpark, Berlin
        Under the motto “It’s enough now,” the DGB and alliance partners are calling for a demonstration. It is indeed enough. New attacks are announced almost every week against all the achievements fought for by the labor movement over the last hundred years, and now there is an almost endless list of unreasonable demands, the abolition of the 8-hour day, massive cuts in health and nursing care insurance (including the abolition of non-contributory family insurance), in housing benefit (1/3 of the recipients should no longer receive support), in pensions, etc., etc. (…) It is good and necessary for our unions to mobilize. The demands of the DGB, “Stay away from pensions, health insurance, care and the 8-hour day!” are absolutely correct. But the Merz/Klingbeil government has made it clear that it wants to fully enforce its policy of “war-fighting” and attacks on our social achievements.
        The question therefore arises, how does the DGB leadership want to enforce its demands? The only answer in the call and on the DGB homepage is: “Let’s send a strong signal together!” Well, this sign will only cause a tired smile from Merz and Pistorius. And it won't be very strong either, because the DGB is not mobilizing for a truly "joint" national large-scale demonstration against the government in Berlin, but rather is fragmented over several months in different regions - and only with half strength. In Rostock, for example, the “That’s enough” demo took place on May 27th, 2026 – according to all reports, only with “several hundred participants”. This shows that our union leaders are only organizing a symbolic protest, i.e. “organized begging” for the government not to do things quite so badly. The “That’s enough” demonstrations appear here as a climax and not as a prelude to a real fight against government policy.
        We FU employees for a fighting union join the resolution of the IG Metall shop stewards at Mercedes Benz in Stuttgart Untertürkheim. They demand: "Stop now. Protest, resistance, strike! ... The bosses want class struggle? They can have it!" Only real struggle will be able to stop the government, not helpless “constructive” begging. The strike is the most effective means…”Call from June 25, 2026 from and among FU employees for a militant union 
      • Berlin: Rally on June 27th against social cuts – a start
        Report by Jochen Gester from June 27, 2026 on unionliche-linke-berlin.de with photo gallery
    • Ruhrpott Rebellion – demonstration on July 4th in Duisburg and other cities afterwards
      “With the Ruhrpott Rebellion we want to send a clear and visible signal - against the increasing attacks on our welfare state and against the progressive devaluation of employees and attacks on workers' rights. Our central message is: Up to here and not far!
      Here in the Ruhr area, it's not what you say that counts - it's what you do. We work (hard). We stick together. We stand up for each other. And when it matters, we stand up. This far and no further. Hands off our welfare state!
      The situation is as clear as it is bitter:  While we keep things running, many employers respond to crises with the same old recipes - job cuts, work intensification, cost pressure and shifting risks to employees or society. At the same time, some in politics tell us that we are too expensive, too sick, too old. They discuss longer working hours, later pensions and cuts to the welfare state.
      They say: too lazy, too sick, too old, too expensive. We say: Without the “lazy, sick, part-time and pajama workers, leisure managers and professional idlers” – without us, everything comes to a standstill.
      Ruhrpott Rebellion is not a slogan. It's an attitude. It is a clear message: We will not allow ourselves to be degraded and played off against each other…”Call from the IG Metall office Duisburg – Dinslakenand in it:
      “…We have already agreed on a joint appearance for the Ruhr area. At the same time, initiatives are being developed in other regions and cities in North Rhine-Westphalia. We rely on a broad alliance locally: the DGB family, the organizations of the welfare state alliance, alliance partners from urban society, political culture and the public. All democratic initiatives, associations, clubs and organizations are invited to take part, support the call and send a strong signal together…” 
    • Stay stable – shape things socially: How we save the welfare state
      Promotion page from ver.di from June 18, 2026 with regional rally dates
  • What is absolutely necessary for a union?
    
    • [“A welfare state that is to be credibly defended must be there for everyone”] Solidarity call for September 26th: Trade union solidarity does not end with the employment contract!
      “The call for September 26th needs attitude! Trade union solidarity does not end with the employment contract!
      Dear colleague Yasmin, dear colleague Frank,
      Frank, you call for the defense of the welfare state on September 26th in the ver.di member magazine Publik (4 – 2026) under the title “Save the welfare state with us”. This is right and necessary. However, anyone who wants to effectively defend the welfare state must not ignore those who are dependent on social security through job centers or social welfare offices. Because especially those who have no power must be seen first. (…) For me, the new basic security is not an abstract construct. I am writing to you as an unemployed person who is dependent on the support of the job center. I expect ver.di and the DGB not to just mention the unemployed in statements that are usually only read by experts. Our interests must be publicly visible, credibly combative and resolutely represented with all the union power.
      Trade union solidarity must never end at the company gate or with the end of an employment contract. Anyone who has a job today may be dependent on the new basic security system tomorrow, which is blind to fundamental rights and which blatantly goes against the protective mandate of the Basic Law.
      Tougher sanctions, inadequate standard rates and increasing repression as well as, in my view, the associated tendency towards an authoritarian welfare state not only affect the unemployed. They weaken the entire workforce. (…)
      Frank, if you rightly criticize “distrust and compulsion to control” towards employees in your call, this claim must apply all the more to the unemployed. Empathy and solidarity have been systematically destroyed politically and socially for decades, especially towards people who are dependent on the new basic security. (…)
      A welfare state that is to be credibly defended must be there for everyone. A welfare state does not hand out alms to the unemployed - it ensures guaranteed rights. Basic rights apply to everyone – or not at all…”Called on September 5th, 2026 at Taschenles e.V. by Thomas Wasilewski , Mönchengladbach, ver.di member, to the DGB chairman Yasmin Fahimi and the ver.di chairman Frank Werneke
    • Defend the welfare state – pay the rich! Second union advice on Tuesday, September 8th (online)
      “On July 16th we met with over 240 colleagues for the first digital trade union advice. Today we, works councils, staff councils, trust body leaders and activists from the automotive industry, the ports, the universities, the hospitals, the steel industry and other areas in the organizational area of ​​our ver.di and IG Metall unions, would like to invite you again to discuss the progress and expansion of the social protests. (…) If we don't organize the pressure from the companies now and take it to the streets together, then they will get away with it. Only a common fight with broad participation can prevent this. It is now important to take action together with as many colleagues from many companies as possible at the next important dates: the nationwide automobile action day on September 21st. and the nationwide and cross-union day of action on September 26th.
      On Tuesday, September 8th, 2026, we would like to meet again (online) at 7 p.m. and discuss how we can get as many colleagues as possible
      Win colleagues over to the protests. There will again be current highlights from practice and space for exchange. On September 26th In our opinion, however, this cannot remain the case. We would therefore like to begin now to develop common perspectives on how we can further increase the pressure on the government.
      Please forward this invitation to other potentially interested parties.
      Together we defend the welfare state.
      Hands off our rights – tax the rich and uber-rich!“Invitation with dial-in data documented on September 1st, 2026 at the VKG (network for militant unions)
    • Resolution from ver.di South Hesse: Hands off our social achievements!
      “Central social achievements are currently being questioned and attacked. Business associations and various political forces are discussing a number of worsening conditions for us wage earners. There hardly seem to be any taboo topics anymore: There are even proposals to restrict continued payment of wages in the event of illness, to raise the retirement age to 70 and to abolish May 1st as a public holiday. The federal government is already in the process of making things worse (…)There are two main reasons for these attacks: Firstly, it is about increasing and securing companies' profits. German companies are supposed to assert themselves in international competition and are competing for the worst working conditions. Secondly, spending on health and social services should be cut because the Federal Republic is spending hundreds of billions of euros on military rearmament in order to be militarily assertive in international competition if necessary. However, such wars are not about the interests of the general population, but about capitalist interests, i.e. raw materials, workers, trade routes and sales markets.
      It is against our interests as employees to engage in an international competition to undercut working conditions or to go to war against each other for capitalist interests. The workers' movement's response has always been solidarity, i.e. the solidarity of wage earners for their common interests - nationally and internationally.
      With precisely this cohesion, the workers' movement also fought for the social gains that are under attack today.And it is precisely this cohesion and this united strength of us employees that can counteract the attacks. As ver.di Südhessen, we therefore take part in protests and use the strength we derive from the company to further our interests at the level of society as a whole.”Resolution from ver.di South Hesse – the district board of ver.di South Hesse adopted this statement at its meeting on June 16, 2026. It is intended to serve as a basis for the shop stewards to discuss in the companies and departments.
    • The representatives from Mercedes-Benz Untertürkheim have submitted - IG Metall local youth committees and combative IG Metallers at VW are each following upinResolution of the IG Metall shop stewards Mercedes Benz Untertürkheim: "Stop now. Protest, resistance, strike! The bosses want class struggle? They can have it!" 
    • Open letter to the Federal Chancellor of the trust body leadership of IG Metall at Mercedes-Benz “not as a supplicant to you, but as a partner”: Stop the class war from above!in the dossier:“Savings program” and increased efficiency thanks to electric cars also at Daimler – temporary workers first… 
    • Invitation to open a discussion – networking union resistance (working title: “KoRa union resistance”)
      “…Working people and young people are supposed to accept "painful" cuts: not only in the automobile industry are we confronted with a massive conversion to war production with the simultaneous destruction of hundreds of thousands of jobs, company closures, mass layoffs and wage theft. The coming collective bargaining negotiations will be characterized by these ultimatums. Not only in the public service, the war budget and the associated ruin of the municipalities shape the goal of wage reductions, cuts in labor law, job security law... The leadership of our trade union organizations remain stuck in the truce: they support this course of NATO, the EU and governments, and demand "resilience" and "capacity for peace" and "guns and butter" from them. Against this background, members of »Trade Union Left Hamburg« and »Say No! Trade unionists against war, militarism and truce” and the “Network for militant unions (VKG)” were discussed.
      We are reaching out to you with this invitation to open a discussion because we are convinced that coordination of our activities is long overdue. In respect of our respective traditions and priorities of our work, we propose an initial meeting for an in-person exchange:
          16-17 October 2026
          Start: Friday, October 16th, 1:00 p.m
          End: Saturday, October 17th, 3:00 p.m
          Location: Kassel, “Vorderer Westen” district center
      Class-oriented trade union work can be based on the associations that have already emerged in many companies and unions, in independent initiatives, which are directed against imperialist war, climate destruction, militarization, fascisation, nationalist locational logic, social partnership, civil peace, social cuts, the increasing restrictions on basic democratic rights and the criminalization of opposition and, last but not least, against the subordination of our unions to the state, capital and government. However: Our various initiatives are limited (regional, sector- and topic-specific…).
      There is no lack of criticism or protest. The problem: How can protest be transformed into resistance? We want to exchange experiences, organize solidarity, link social and company struggles more closely together again and build action-oriented and capable company and trade union networks and develop joint initiatives….”Invitation documented on July 31, 2026 at the “Forum trade union Left Berlin” from the union grassroots initiative Say NO! Trade unionists against war, militarism and civil peace, from the trade union left Hamburg and the Association for Militant Trade Unions (VKG).
    • Resolution of the IG Metall shop stewards Mercedes Benz Untertürkheim: "Stop now. Protest, resistance, strike! The bosses want class struggle? They can have it!"
      “Almost not a day goes by without a company announcing that it is laying off workers or having to "make savings" at our expense. The crisis is omnipresent. And the bosses want to make us pay for it. (...) Better politics needs our trade union and political fight! That's why we don't wait until someone asks us to protest. We're starting with it! Feeling sorry for ourselves, hoping for a supposed "alternative for Germany" or pleading and begging the government doesn't help. (…) We are committed to our union and demand that demonstrations against the greed of the bosses, against the government and for a better future be organized as soon as possible. Up to and including the strike. And if the union leaders are reluctant, then we will do it ourselves.”Resolution of the Mercedes Benz Untertürkheim shop stewards from June 2026 – there is one for thatMobi video on YouTube dated June 23, 2026 with transcript
    • Protest cascade against the government's horror agenda is necessary: ​​large-scale demonstrations and strikes
      “The federal government's plans are concrete and they should be implemented as quickly as possible: the abolition of the maximum daily working time of eight hours, the statutory health insurance law, longer working lives and pension cuts. SPD General Secretary Klingbeil has said that he fully supports these plans. In addition, there are massive cuts in the states and municipalities. At the same time, military spending is increasing enormously and the militarization of society is progressing. Instead of a cascade of protests leading up to large demonstrations and strikes, we read about the “willingness for dialogue” in a joint statement from the chairmen of IG Metall, ver.di, IGBCE and DGB. There is nothing to discuss about these proposals. They mean a general attack against the mass of employees. The answer can only be consistent resistance from the streets and from the workplace…”Sample application to the network for a combative and democratic ver.di , see also a slightly earlier one:
    • No to clear-cutting in the healthcare system - No to the Merz-Klingbeil government's catalog of horrors - For a policy in the interest of wage earners
      “We call on the boards of our unions to immediately resist the attacks, which are to be implemented in the summer, combined with demands for urgently needed improvements. The central demands for such a campaign should be:
      – No to all attacks on the healthcare system. For needs-based hospital and health care close to home without profiteering by the pharmaceutical industry, medical device industry and private hospital groups. Remunicipalization of privatized hospitals and companies. Get rid of the per-case flat rates. No more two-tier medicine.
      – No to changing the Working Hours Act – shortening working hours with full wage and staff compensation instead of extending working hours
      – No to increasing the retirement age and further deterioration in pensions – instead, lowering it to 60 years and introducing a tax-free and contribution-free pension of 70 percent of the net salary
      – No to all cuts and deteriorations for the working population at all levels – in the municipality, in the state, at the federal level and in the company.
      – No to job destruction – anyone who dismisses should be expropriated!
      – Massive disarmament instead of rearmament, conscription and militarization. No to NATO's 5 percent target
      – For a public investment program in the areas of social affairs, education, health and the environment financed by the profits of banks and corporations
      – For a wealth tax of ten percent from assets of one million euros and a strongly progressive tax system with drastically higher taxes on corporate profits and large inheritances…” Sample application 2 inSample applications for resistance from May 26, 2026 by and at the network for a combative and democratic ver.di
    • Strike works. A look back at the social struggles of 1956, 1996 and 2003/2004 could help stop the currently planned cuts
      “…The struggles in 1956 and 1996 were more successful than the trade union protests and the Monday demonstrations of the unemployed movement of 2003/2004 because they combined the elements of mass strikes and mass protests and also developed assertive power through the economic costs.
      From today's perspective, Hartz IV and the labor market reforms of Agenda 2010 were a turning point. The Merz-Klingbeil government's social cuts plans give rise to fears of equally profound social shocks, especially in view of the AfD on hold. This is worrying, but also opens up the possibility of generalizing the resistance. Nevertheless, it seems important to me that we identify individual groups that are particularly under attack. This is the health sector, for example. (…)
      In the end, the decisive factor for the success of the protest movement will be whether it is carried out with strikes. However, it is not wise to call on the unions to go on a political strike - that would be pointless. What is more important is that a legal way into the strike is found. This works, for example, when, as in 1956, collective bargaining commissions raise issues that have not yet been tariffed. For example, if waiting days are to be introduced, the union demand could be: The employer must pay 100 percent of the wages for the first two days. In this way, the political ban on strikes could be circumvented and economic pressure could be built up.”Article by Luigi Wolf from June 3rd, 2026 in ND online 
  • Why is pressure on the DGB unions absolutely necessary? Some quotes:
    
    • Shockingly timid criticism from the DGB unions of the coalition's "reform package" by prioritizing "strengthening Germany as a business location" (DGB) and "reforms must bring growth" (IGM but also similar ver.di)
      
      • IG Metall on the results of the coalition committee
        “The first chairwoman of IG Metall, Christiane Benner, comments on the results of the coalition committee presented today: (…) Now the important thing is to take a look at the super-rich and heirs! When it comes to pension reform, one thing is clear: we will fight tooth and nail to preserve the pension after 45 years of contributions and partial retirement - and the fight for the 8-hour day continues.Reforms must bring growth! Strengthening the industry as a whole, but especially through local commitments with state funding, is a good thing and needs to be expanded.(…)
        The expansion of fixed-term contracts without cause and the weakening of protection against dismissal are an attack on employee rights. With the abolition of telephone sick leave and the mandatory certificate of incapacity for work (AU) from day one, employers have also fulfilled an anti-social wish list that will leave more people in uncertainty and overwhelm general practitioners' practices. I can only appeal to employers: Your wishes have been fulfilled, now stop complaining and finally take care of securing jobs in this country!“Press release from IG Metall from July 2, 2026 (emphasis added)
        • Serious resistance is not planned when the chairwoman of IG Metall says “I can only appeal to employers: your wishes have been fulfilled, now stop complaining...”
        • See at the same time:“IG Metall will give company leaders a hot summer and autumn”: The first to take to the streets on the action day on Friday, July 3rd are colleagues from Mercedes-Benz (but “Important: clock out!”)
      • DGB boss Fahimi: “Right signals for employment, growth and relief”
        “…"Many of the results of yesterday's coalition committee are the right signals for employment, growth and relief. I recognize the Federal Government's serious will to really tackle the major challenges. The results make it clear that constructive dialogue with the social partners is worthwhile. The DGB will continue to support this path in a committed and solution-oriented manner. (...)
        The DGB is critical of the extension of unfounded fixed-term contracts to four years– even if the regulation is limited to the period up to 2030. This remains an unnecessary cut that we will not accept without comment.
        The new severance payment regulation for higher earners from around 180,000 euros - based on the special regulations in the banking sector - affects a manageable number of employees, but sends the wrong message thatWeakening of protection against dismissalEmployment could be secured.
        The DGB considers the abolition of telephone sick leave and the introduction of certificates of incapacity for work from the first day of illness to be counterproductiveand will keep a close eye on the impact on employees and medical practices.
        Strengthening Germany as a business location
        A consistent impulse for future industries 'Made in Germany' is right and urgently necessary. (…)
        Social partners are in demand – DGB is ready
        What is particularly noteworthy is that the federal government is expressly calling on the collective bargaining parties to make proposals by mid-October that would give companies bound by collective agreements more scope for flexible regulations and job security. The fact that politicians are taking up this DGB proposal shows that trade union expertise counts, and our advice is getting through…”DGB press release from July 2nd, 2026 (emphasis added)
        • Chairwoman of the Verdi trade union council is irritated by the position of the DGB boss on the federal government's reform package
          “…Many colleagues just shake their heads at your press release. They ask themselves why the DGB is adopting a conciliatory tone at a moment when decisive opposition is necessary. As unions, we are not there to moderate political compromises or to comment favorably on government decisions. We are not a corrective to coalition discipline and certainly not a stirrup holder of a federal government. Our job is and remains to be uncomfortable. We are the mirror of politics - and when employees lose, we have to state this clearly. Our loyalty lies with our employees. Right now, our members expect a trade union movement that takes a stand, does not shy away from conflict and clearly rejects attacks on workers' rights. (…) As the Verdi union council, we expect a clearly combative attitude from the DGB and you as its chairwoman. Our members do not need diplomatic formulations. They need an umbrella organization that speaks their language, takes their concerns seriously and is prepared to lead the necessary political conflict aggressively. Because we are not measured by how well we get along with governments, but by how determinedly we stand up for the interests of employees…”Statement by the ver.di trade union council documented in Junge Welt from July 7th, 2026 andon express 
      • [ver.di] Coalition reform package – Werneke: “Distrust of employees and an expansion of the fixed-term craze do not create growth”
        "…"The extension of the period for unfounded fixed-term contracts shifts the entrepreneurial risk to the employees. "That is not acceptable," explained Werneke. Ver.di is also criticizing the planned changes to sick leave. "If employees are to drag themselves to the doctor from day one, for example with a flu-like infection, that is an expression of a fundamental culture of mistrust. To make this clear: Employees are not shirkers, even if employers and parts of the government assume this," Werneke continued. (…)
        It is also regrettable that the abolition of the eight-hour day is still on the table and the decision will now be postponed until autumn. "Here the coalition is missing the opportunity to finally create clear conditions. The rule must be: Hands off the eight-hour day," emphasized Werneke. ver.di also takes a critical view of the expansion of across-the-board staff cuts to other authorities and institutions…”ver.di press release from July 2, 2026 
      • GEW: “Instead of protecting employees, working relationships become more unstable and mistrust is fueled”
        “Education union criticizes the results of the coalition committee (…)The GEW considers the planned expansion of the unfounded fixed-term contract to be particularly sensitive. By the end of 2030, this will be extended to up to 48 months and six extensions for newly hired employees. At the same time, the obligation to provide written form for fixed-term contracts should no longer apply."This undermines the previous protection and opens the door to fixed-term contracts. In our view, this is unacceptable and puts a particular strain on young people and young people starting their careerswith additional uncertainty. Temporary contracts are already a big problem, especially in universities and research,” says Siebernik.
        The GEW is also critical of the planned abolition of telephone sick leave and the mandatory presentation of a certificate of incapacity for work from the first day of illness. Siebernik: "The coalition is thus generally assuming that employees are acting blue instead of actually being sick. This unnecessarily disrupts the existing basis of trust in many companies." In addition, the regulation creates additional bureaucracy for medical practices as well as employees and employers.
        The general personnel savings of eight percent in the public sector is also problematic.It is intended to affect almost all federal authorities and the indirect federal administration, with minor exceptions for critical infrastructure and security authorities. The GEW warns of a further thinning of the public sector...”Press release from July 2nd, 2026 (emphasis added)
    • Germany needs a change in attitude – no prosperity without change
      “Only a strong industry can ensure prosperity, argue BDI President Peter Leibinger and the chairmen of IG Metall and IG BCE, Christiane Benner and Michael Vassiliadis. (…)
      What is now necessary is a change in attitude in the country. We must want and achieve more by overcoming the internal organizational logic of parties, business associations, unions and NGOs. We have to get out of these role games – for the sake of our country and for the sake of those who continue to depend on a strong Germany.
      Industrial associations and industrial unions are together ready for an agenda for a sustainable Germany – which reduces costs, including those caused by the state, and increases work volumes and productivity. This can create a step-by-step logic, from which the industry's obligation to invest in the location follows. We need a common understanding of these tasks and the means to solve them; we have to convince people what is necessary and why we are doing it. We are recruiting allies, partners and colleagues. We invite everyone to start a decade of change together.”Guest commentary by Peter Leibinger, Christiane Benner and Michael Vassiliadis from June 29, 2026 in the Handelsblatt online 
      • Fight instead of giving up! Statement by the VKG on the joint call by the chairmen of BDI, IG Metall and IG BCE in the Handelsblatt
        “…A few days ago, the IGM shop stewards at Mercedes-Untertürkheim called on the IG Metall leadership to take action against the austerity orgy of social cuts and the rearmament course, this concentrated attack by the government and capital, including strikes! The first protests have now been organized.
        At the same time, however, the chairmen of IG Metall, Christiane Benner and IG BCE, Michael Vassiliadis, wrote a joint guest commentary with Peter Leibinger, President of the Federation of German Industries (BDI), for the Handelsblatt with the title “Germany needs a change of attitude – no prosperity without change”.
        This text has it all! (…) The text means in its logic that the leadership of IGM and IG BCE are ready to capitulate to the unprecedented planned attacks by the government and capital, and their demands and demands on us, in the interests of capital!
        Have the union members at VW, Mercedes, Bosch, Mahle or Bayer been asked about what their leaders are announcing here? Hardly. They should be “convinced” that they can only benefit if they once again eat the soup for which they are not responsible. (…)
        The statements from Benner and Vassiliadis make it clear: the leadership of IG Metall and IG BCE want to continue this failed policy. This not only means an endless downward spiral - location by location, here and internationally, but also the acceptance of rearmament at the expense of the working class. It doesn't secure jobs - but the profits from Piech to Blackrock do.
        Yes, you need a change in posture – namely straightening your back. The unconditional co-management of the current union leadership must be countered by a combative strategy that does not stop at capitalist profit and property relations…”Declaration of July 6, 2026 by the Network for Combative Unions (VKG)
    • “That’s enough now!”: Large demonstration against government planned [“The federal association is cautious”]
      “The DGB Berlin-Brandenburg district association is calling for a broad demonstration against the government on the weekend before the potentially decisive coalition summit.The federal association is cautious. (…) So far the DGB has relied on negotiations with the federal government. Next week, on June 10th, Merz will receive representatives of employers and unions in the Chancellery, including DGB leader Yasmin Fahimi, to talk about the planned major reforms. But now it looks as if the DGB is planning a large demonstration regardless of this - and as if it would at least coordinate with the Left to do so. (…) The demo is officially planned for June 27th by the DGB Berlin-Brandenburg district association. (…) This is explosive for several reasons:At the DGB annual congress in mid-May, DGB leader Fahimi emphasized: “I'm not interested in announcing mass protests, I'm interested in warning politicians: If she doesn't pull the ripcord now and constructively look for solutions with us and the employers, then the pressure will only increase. (…) The demonstration is organized by the Berlin district association, there are no plans for the federal association to participate. Mobilization via the federal association is also not being considered.(…) The planning has been agreed with the federal association, says Wucherpfennig [from the Berlin Action Alliance]. (…) The aim is to form the broadest possible alliance and bring several thousand people onto the streets, said Wucherpfennig. The timing of the planned demonstration on June 27th is also strategically chosen: it is the weekend before the Federal Government's Pension Commission hands over its report and the coalition committee meets for the last time before the summer break. If the demonstration is large, it could certainly put pressure on the coalition members - regardless of whether the DGB district association or the DGB federal association called for it..." Comment by Camilla Kohrs from June 2, 2026 on t-online (emphasis ours]
    • Ver.di boss Werneke threatens Merz with protests
      "... Before the first top-level meeting with Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Ver.di boss Frank Werneke marked clear limits for the planned reform of the welfare state. In an interview with the "Handelsblatt", Werneke spoke of "red lines" that the union was not prepared to cross. The Ver.di chairman specifically mentioned possible cuts in the right to strike and protection against dismissal. He also described as “absolute no-gos” an increase in the retirement age, a reduction in the pension level and an extension of the maximum daily working hours, which can only be enforced through the employer's right of direction. (…) “If the term reform is just a code for social cuts, then there will be protests against it,” he told the “Handelsblatt”. How extensive these actions are depends on the overall constellation of reform plans - not only on working time issues, but also on the areas of pensions, care, protection against dismissal and health...” Report from June 1, 2026 at web.de 
    • Joint statement from the chairmen of DGB, IG Metall, IGBCE & ver.di: “Reform agenda for economic strength, good work and social security”
      "In a respectful conversation, the participants in yesterday's dialogue from business and trade unions discussed central economic and social policy issues with the coalition committee. The discussion was based on the openness to seriously take up and examine all the perspectives brought forward. (...) The focus of the further exchange was the questions about growth and demand-stimulating impulses. Other focal points were the future-proof design of the social security systems against the background of demographic challenges as well as tax relief The issue of reducing bureaucracy was unanimously viewed as relevant by all participants. Now it is important to make the right decisions and put forward proposals for a reform agenda that creates economic strength, good work and social security. We are ready to work together in the same or similar formats at any time. Joint statement by Yasmin Fahimi, Christiane Benner, Michael Vassiliadis and Frank Werneke from June 11, 2026 at the DGB - if it weren't so revealing, we could ignore it... But the DGB has wanted to be involved for a long time:
      • Fahimi: Government does not take social partners along with reforms
        “Fundamental reforms are pending in many areas in Germany. The unions feel marginalized in the debate about this
        The unions criticize that their role is not sufficiently taken into account in the government's reform processes. "We are currently experiencing that the social partners - both employers and us - are hardly involved in both the pension commission and the finance commission and in other areas," said Yasmin Fahimi, chairwoman of the German Federation of Trade Unions (DGB), in an interview with "Spiegel". “We are often only invited to the meetings for a short time and are then allowed to make a few comments without our perspective being really taken into account,” explained the DGB leader. (…)  “We have to calm the social debate and ensure a broad consensus,” says Fahimi…”dpa/nd report from April 23, 2026 
      • On the topic of reducing bureaucracy, which is so uncritically approved here, see our dossier:“Cutting bureaucracy” as a cover for attacks on social and ecological standards
    • DGB boss Fahimi: “With a focus on savings and cuts, any domestic demand will be killed”
      “Before a meeting with Chancellor Merz and company representatives in the Chancellery, DGB leader Yasmin Fahimi clearly contradicts the government's reform plans: Social cuts would do nothing to address Germany's problems. (…) "We need growth impulses for a sustainable economy and good jobs. The country now needs a growth agenda instead of the pain of reform." (…) "Yes. Everything about the so-called reform agenda that is currently being discussed focuses on savings and cuts. This kills any internal demand. What do people do when they notice that fewer benefits will be covered by health insurance companies in the future and they will have to prepare for less pension? They keep their money together. The previous approach is completely wrong from an economic and social point of view. We want to make other suggestions during the conversation - to relieve the burden on companies and to stimulate economic growth." (…) "We have not signed the coalition agreement. The weakening of the Working Hours Act has no positive effect on growth. The reality is currently completely different: We are fighting to preserve jobs in many locations. To achieve this, we sometimes have to make painful social plans and send employees on short-time work. It doesn't help to weaken the Working Hours Act. It would only mean that shifts of up to 13 hours would be allowed in the future. In the long term, this will not motivate anyone to take up work, to extend their weekly working hours, or to stay in the job longer…”Interview from June 7th, 2026 in the FR online 

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      Source: labournet.de