“Human dignity is inviolable,”
as stated in Article 1 of our Basic Law. With this, Germany commits itself to inviolable and inalienable human rights. These include the free development of the individual, the right to life and physical integrity, the right to asylum, equality between women and men, freedom of religion, belief, and conscience, as well as the right to freedom of expression. These rights are protected and are the obligation of all branches of government. The state must protect its citizens. There is no place for lynch justice in this country.
We are watching with great concern as right-wing populists, fascists, and neo-Nazis mobilize against the fundamental values of our social coexistence. They are organized, mobilized, and capable of acting anywhere. It is the duty of all democrats to take a clear stand against this. We call for a resolute stand against all inhuman, far-right, and anti-democratic activities. We condemn every form of hate and violence. Germany must not shift to the right!
Great Achievements Through Solidarity
Germany is capable of more than the far right would have us believe. Thanks to a strong sense of internal solidarity, the people of our country have achieved tremendous feats. At the same time, many people have been left behind by German reunification, increasing globalization, and the economic and financial crisis that began in 2008: While corporate profits and wealth have risen sharply, others have paid the price—especially low-income earners, those in precarious employment, and colleagues in workplaces without works councils or collective bargaining agreements. In the face of the challenges posed by this transformation, even many people with good jobs protected by collective bargaining agreements are growing increasingly anxious that they, too, will one day be left behind.
That is why we expect policymakers to correctly interpret people’s sense of insecurity. Those who are uncertain want, above all, for policymakers to offer solutions. This requires convincing strategies rather than campaign tactics or copied right-wing slogans. Immigration to Germany truly brings political failures to light: fair wages, good jobs and career prospects, adequate pensions, affordable housing, and internal security are issues at the heart of our society. Only those who address these issues will contribute to greater social cohesion.
We need modern immigration laws
And we must face the fact that many refugees cannot return to their home countries. We need modern immigration laws, must remove barriers to integration, and seriously address the root causes of flight. The right to protection and asylum must be guaranteed, as must a fair distribution of those seeking protection among EU member states. We expect the federal government to advocate forcefully for this.
We, as union members, are doing our part to ensure that we can live together successfully. We do not exaggerate problems; instead, we seek solutions—together with employers as well. After all, they, too, have a duty to ensure peaceful coexistence in the workplace and to put a stop to inflammatory activities.
#WeAreMore – and we take action:
People organize themselves in our union regardless of their background or religion. Together, we stand up for the free and democratic basic order, for more democracy in the workplace, and for safeguarding and expanding the social rule of law:
- Within our respective areas of responsibility and in the workplace, we actively advocate for human dignity and against populism and misanthropy.
- We join forces locally with all committed democrats and visibly and publicly stand up for our convictions.
- We call on everyone to actively oppose marches that promote misanthropy.
- We call on our members and activists to increase their commitment to the integration of refugees through vocational training.
- We are actively shaping future immigration policy.
- We actively stand by our colleagues who are harassed because of their public advocacy for democracy and openness to the world.
