The European Union fosters peace, security, and prosperity. We must continue this success story at a time when our continent and our country face unprecedented challenges.
The European elections on June 9, 2024, will help determine how the European Union can continue to develop as a model for social security and a climate-just transition. The German Trade Union Federation (DGB) and its member unions call on all workers to use their vote on Election Day to strengthen the political forces that are committed to peaceful, democratic coexistence and a society based on social security, and that combine ambitious climate protection with prospects for growth and secure jobs.
At the same time, the DGB and its member unions warn against a shift to the right in the European Union. Far-right and right-wing populist parties do more than just poison the social climate. Their anti-European policies would also plunge Europe and Germany into a severe economic crisis, resulting in losses of value creation amounting to billions and a dramatic loss of jobs. Democracy, workers’ rights, the concept of social security, and a climate-just transition in Europe must be defended against right-wing parties. A key prerequisite for this is integrating social, economic, and environmental objectives.
To lead both Europe and Germany toward a bright future, we need a major investment push in public infrastructure and essential public services—ranging from education to transportation, the healthcare system, and digitalization—as well as in the climate-just transformation of the economy and society. Its essential foundation is the European Union’s “Green Deal.” This program must be expanded into a “European Green Industry Deal” to shape climate neutrality and competitiveness and to secure and create good, future-proof jobs.
It is of crucial importance that this investment drive be made possible at both the European and German levels through investment-oriented fiscal and budgetary policies. To this end, the current limits on public credit financing as well as EU state aid rules must be adapted and modernized.
The DGB and its member unions expect European policymakers to further develop the social dimension of the EU, as most recently demonstrated by the initiatives on minimum wages and collective bargaining coverage. In the future, public procurement, as well as subsidies to support corporate transformation projects, must be tied to social standards in the EU—including collective bargaining agreements and employee participation.
In times of upheaval, career prospects and reliable public services are indispensable. Policies that provide people with stable living conditions during turbulent times and protect them from social risks are the best foundation for public support for democracy and the success of the transformation.
With their votes this coming Sunday, workers can set a positive course for politics and the shaping of the future.
We call on all workers: Seize this opportunity and help create a Europe of Decent Work—a peaceful, democratic Europe with social security.
Christiane Benner, President of IG Metall:
“Sunday’s European elections will set an important course for the coming years. At stake are the future of industry, the security of our colleagues, and social cohesion. We call on our colleagues to vote for democratic parties and prevent a right-wing alliance.”
Martin Burkert, President of the EVG:
“We railway workers connect Europe by moving people and goods across borders. That is why we want a Europe that invests more in climate-friendly transportation and thereby secures good jobs in the long term: through sensible, supportive subsidies for rail transport, rather than even more cut-throat competition and liberalization at the expense of workers. That is why this European election is a decisive choice about the direction we take for everyone.”
Yasmin Fahimi, Chair of the German Trade Union Federation:
“Peace, freedom, and security are the cornerstones of the European ideal. But if the European Union wants a strong foundation, we must further strengthen the Union’s social standards. Competition and freedom of movement must not be used as leverage against good jobs. For the transformation to succeed, a strong Europe must now enable greater investment. EU state aid law and the Green Deal must be expanded so that we can successfully make the leap into a new era and ensure prosperity for all.”
Robert Feiger, President of IG BAU:
“The recent labor dispute in the construction industry has once again shown that the ‘rules of the game’ guaranteed by the Basic Law are indispensable in a democracy. Only in this way is genuine participation possible; only in this way can workers advocate for better working conditions and higher wages without having to fear sanctions. That is why, in the upcoming European elections, we must vote for candidates who fully support these democratic rules of the game—or even seek to further develop them. Candidates who show even the slightest lack of support for these principles are not worthy of our vote.”
Maike Finnern, Chair of the GEW:
“Education is a cornerstone of democratic Europe! Young people want to play an active role in shaping Europe and our society. Lowering the voting age to 16 will significantly strengthen the European ideal. Quality education for everyone in Europe, equal opportunities for all—this must be possible! Quality education must be well-funded. EU programs like Erasmus+ are essential for students, schoolchildren, and apprentices to gain important learning and life experiences in other European countries.”
Jochen Kopelke, Chair of the GdP:
“Decisions made in Brussels affect the day-to-day work of us police officers. Despite differences in nationality and structure, Europe’s police forces essentially speak the same language. They all guarantee the internal security of their respective countries; greater cooperation ensures Europe’s internal security. With your vote, you strengthen democracy and cooperation in Europe—for greater shared security, freedom, respect, and tolerance.”
Michael Vassiliadis, President of the IG BCE:
“The European Union is a catalyst for progress for its citizens—not only as an alliance of peace, democracy, and participation, but also as a model for economic cooperation and networking. Industrial workers, in particular, appreciate the value of the EU’s single market. Industry faces the enormous task of a climate-just transformation. This can only succeed if it is linked to the prospect of good jobs, prosperity, and participation secured by collective bargaining agreements. The guarantors of this are the democratic forces across the political spectrum that focus on transformation, worker participation, and social balance. Strengthening them must therefore be at the center of all efforts in the European elections.”
Frank Werneke, Chair of the United Services Union (ver.di):
“What we achieve here in Germany always has a European dimension as well: We are not an island, but live right in the heart of Europe. The EU needs us! And we need the EU as a strong and united community of values that pulls together in defending our democracy and our freedom. As voters, we now have the chance to use our vote: for a united and social Europe. For our prosperity, our freedom, and our democracy. The European project is too important to leave it to those who want to destroy it.”
Guido Zeitler, Chair of the NGG:
“Minimum wage, platform work, supply chains: Through directives and laws, the European Parliament sets important guidelines for greater justice and fair working conditions. That’s why every single vote counts on June 9: Our future must not be decided by those who spread hate and want to destroy Europe.”
