“Solidarity – Diversity – Justice.” Under this motto, the DGB is calling on union members to join the May 1 demonstrations this year.
The unions are calling on the new grand coalition to set the political course in the right direction: solidarity instead of division, as agreed in the coalition agreement. And more social justice. This means: Insecure, precarious work and low wages must be curbed, and collective bargaining coverage and worker participation must be strengthened by law. The transformation of the economy and digitalization must not come at the expense of workers.
Work should be more compatible with family life and caregiving. And women must no longer be disadvantaged. To this end, the unions are calling for work schedules that fit with people’s lives, with more autonomy for workers—an issue that IG Metall has already brought to the forefront of public discourse during the metal industry collective bargaining round.
In addition, the tax system must become fairer and ensure the welfare state’s ability to act, enabling investment in public infrastructure, education, and affordable housing.
Solidarity and diversity also mean that right-wing populists must no longer be allowed to drive a wedge into society.
Who will speak where on May 1?
The seven executive board members of IG Metall will speak at the following rallies: IG Metall’s President, Jörg Hofmann, will speak at the rally on Königsplatz in Kassel. Christiane Benner, the Second Chairperson, will speak at Heumarkt in Cologne. Chief Treasurer Jürgen Kerner will speak at Marienplatz in Munich; Wolfgang Lemb at the Family and Culture Festival at Bahnhofstraße 69 in Zwickau; Ralf Kutzner at the Fischversandbahnhof in Cuxhaven; Irene Schulz at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin; and Hans-Jürgen Urban at Bert-Kaempfert-Platz in Hamburg.
Our map also shows the rallies where the IG Metall district leaders will be speaking.
