Welfare State September 26: Nationwide Day of Action for Social Policy

Many people are starting to feel uneasy: The constant news about impending cuts to social services is unsettling workers and their families.

First, the cost of medications is rising; then, starting from the very first day of illness, a doctor’s note will be required. The retirement age is set to rise even further, and the“retirement at 63” program is to be abolished. Those in need of long-term care and their families are expected to endure cuts.

Social policy looks different than this.

Union members across the country will no longer stand for this.

On September 26, 2026 , the German Trade Union Federation (DGB) and its member unions are calling for a nationwide day of action in 15 major cities . The slogan: 

“Hard-earned! Your work. Your health. Your pension.”

The goal of the day of action: to send a clear message to the federal government. For a strong welfare state, for secure jobs, good working conditions , and the protection of workers’ rights.

“Anyone who attacks the welfare state will face our resistance,” says Ralf Reinstädler, Social Affairs Director of IG Metall. “Anyone who wants to take away workers’ rights, security, and social standards jeopardizes social cohesion.”

Here’s where we’ll be demonstrating on September 26, 2026:

• Berlin ++ IG Metall Building (Alte Jakobstraße 149) ++ 12:00 p.m.
• Bremen ++ Star-shaped march (3 starting points) ++ 11:00 a.m.
• Erfurt ++ Central Station ++ 10:00 a.m.
• Essen ++ Burgplatz ++ 11:00 a.m.
• Frankfurt am Main ++ Willy-Brandt-Platz ++ 11:00 a.m.
• Freiburg ++ Stühlinger Kirchplatz ++ 12:00 p.m.
• Hamburg ++ Central Station ++ 10:30 a.m.
• Hanover ++ Location and time to be announced
• Kiel ++ Rathausplatz ++ 11:55 a.m.
• Leipzig ++ Volkshaus & Johannisplatz ++ 10:30 a.m.
• Magdeburg ++ Location and time not yet known
• Nuremberg ++ Kornmarkt ++ 12:00 p.m.
• Rostock ++ Location and time not yet known
• Saarbrücken ++ Bürgerpark ++ 11:00 a.m.
• Stuttgart ++ Schloßplatz ++ 11:55 a.m.

Too expensive, too lazy, too often sick?

For IG Metall, one thing is clear: We must put an end to the constant message directed at the working majority that “you are too expensive, sick too often, or too old.”

Workers are not the problem. They create prosperity; they keep businesses and this country running every day.

Achievements such as a full pension after 45 years of contributions and the block model for partial retirement must absolutely be preserved.

Good healthcare for all and a pension that’s enough to live on: We must apply pressure now to ensure this.

The day of action on September 26 is the next big step toward that goal.

All the details about the rallies:

On September 26, rallies against social cuts will take place in 15 major cities .

In many cities, there will first be a march followed by a rally. In other cities, we’ll meet directly at the rally site.

You can find out exactly what’s happening in your area on the DGB’s central website here .

There you’ll also find information on traveling together by bus.

All dates for nationwide actions against cuts to social services