The attacks by the Union and employers on the welfare state and workers are becoming increasingly brazen. We demand an end to these debates calling for drastic cuts. They unsettle people, stifle the fragile economic recovery, and do not lead to growth.
Workers are not the problem—they are the solution
What is currently being presented as a “reform debate” is a damning indictment of the Union and many business associations. With this campaign, they seek to divert attention from the many strategic missteps in corporate boardrooms and the major challenges facing the country: a lack of investment in infrastructure, education, and transformation; insufficient coverage by collective bargaining agreements; an unfair tax policy; and misguided economic policies. Instead of addressing these issues, they are calling for radical social cutbacks—with increasingly outlandish proposals at the expense of the country’s people, who are supposedly too lazy, too sick, or too often working part-time. These debates divide our society, endanger democracy, and solve no problems.
We, the labor unions, say this clearly: We will not tolerate any further attacks on workers and the welfare state. Anyone who wants to have workers on their side and strengthen democracy must promote good wages and working conditions as well as social security, rather than pitting people against one another.
We demand an end to debates that only create uncertainty and divide society. Instead of plans to dismantle labor rights and the welfare state, we need greater tax justice for high incomes and wealth. Instead of denying workers their hard-won rights, we need decisive reforms that move Germany forward.
Reforms are not good if they cause people particular harm. Good reforms create growth, strengthen social cohesion, offer prospects for the future, and move Germany forward.
We, the labor unions, call for a change of course: away from sham debates and toward genuine reforms—to which the rich and the ultra-rich must finally contribute.
We, the labor unions, are ready for a constructive dialogue about the future of our country. Together, we want to shape a society based on solidarity, democracy, and justice—a society in which good jobs, fair wages, and social security are a given for everyone.
Together for a strong welfare state. Together for good jobs. Together for a just future.
German Trade Union Federation and its member unions
Quotes from union leaders
Yasmin Fahimi, DGB President: “Instead of addressing our country’s pressing economic and structural problems, workers are being made scapegoats. Sending people to work while they’re sick or demanding that they retire later—that won’t bring a single new job to our country. It is a complete illusion to believe that economic growth can be generated by slashing the welfare state. This constantly recurring debate about cuts to social gains is disrespectful and despicable. It completely ignores the reality faced by workers and only adds fuel to the fire of growing social discontent. 2026 must not be a lost year for workers.”
Christiane Benner, President of IG Metall: “The Union is completely out of touch with reality right now. The situation in industry is not easy, and we need growth and future-proof business models. But the solution lies in investment, modern infrastructure, innovation, and qualified, motivated workers. Half-baked ideas that are simply aimed at gradually stripping people of more and more rights don’t help anyone. Enough with these smokescreens that fuel uncertainty and anger. Bring on constructive, meaningful reform proposals. That’s what we can discuss. Not lifestyle—whatever that means—or dentist visits.”
Frank Werneke, ver.di Chairman: “From cuts to continued pay during sick leave, the introduction of waiting days for sick leave, the abolition of the eight-hour workday, and the elimination of dental care, all the way to the weakening of the statutory pension as the central pillar of retirement security—the social policy cutback fantasies of recent weeks from parts of the Union, including the Chancellor, run the gamut. The threats against large segments of the working population, retirees, and recipients of basic income must come to an end. In difficult times, people do not need a neoliberal horror show—they need security and confidence. We, as labor unions, will fight resolutely for this.”
Michael Vassiliadis, Chair of the IGBCE: “The constant stream of ever-more-extreme proposals to place a greater burden on workers is disrespectful and will not put Germany back on the path to growth—on the contrary: they rightly outrage people who are already working beyond their breaking point. Anyone who wants to embark on an innovative future, anyone who wants to promote ideas and commitment to our country, must place more trust in the working population.”
Maike Finnern, Chair of the Education and Science Union (GEW): “It all starts with a good education. Everyone agrees on that—at least in theory. In practice, despite the enormous shortage of skilled workers, employers offer a great many part-time positions for skilled workers in daycare centers. It’s barely possible to make a living on the salary of a part-time daycare worker, especially not when you have a family to support. Many studies show that the workload in schools is so high that it poses a health risk. To protect themselves, many teachers choose part-time work to preserve their health. This has nothing to do with lifestyle.”
Jochen Kopelke, Chairman of the Police Union (GdP): “This mean-spirited debate about the welfare state affects us police officers just as much as everyone else in our country. Many female police officers work part-time shifts because there is insufficient childcare available. Police officers must fear for their pensions and are also directly affected by rising costs for long-term care and health insurance. It is wrong to now exploit public servants to fuel social division and spark a fierce debate driven by envy. We police officers protect people every day and also deserve protection from the reckless political attacks on our own social security in the welfare state.”
Robert Feiger, Chairman of IG Bauen-Agrar-Umwelt (IG BAU): “There is no justifiable reason for benefit cuts or a further increase in the retirement age. Nevertheless, this sham debate is reignited whenever the economic situation takes a turn for the worse. Those who argue this way cast blanket suspicion on millions of workers. This is disrespectful and distracts from the real problems. Especially in construction, the skilled trades, and industry, retirement at 65, 66, or 67 is already virtually unattainable for many of our colleagues today. Instead of demanding more and more from workers, the Chancellor must protect them and finally make collective bargaining agreements the norm.”
Guido Zeitler, Chairman of the Food, Beverages, and Hospitality Workers’ Union (NGG): “Instead of making workers scapegoats for failed policies, the Union should focus on tackling the urgently needed changes. The hospitality industry clearly shows just how big the problems are: About half of workers are in low-wage jobs, collective bargaining agreements are the exception rather than the rule, and there’s a shortage of skilled workers everywhere. Many people do their jobs every day with total dedication—often pushing themselves to the limit. They deserve better. Anyone who now calls for even longer workdays is only making things worse. We won’t stand for that. We are firmly committed to strong labor protections, greater adherence to collective bargaining agreements, and truly good working conditions.”
Martin Burkert, Chair of the Railway and Transport Union (EVG): “Our colleagues keep this country moving every day under difficult conditions. But instead of recognition and respect, the Union is spreading horror stories and unsettling the very people who keep the show running. This out-of-touch policy imposed from above ignores the reality of workers’ lives and will meet with resolute resistance. Anyone who thinks they can push through drastic social cuts is mistaken. The common good is not secured by putting pressure on workers, but through greater participation by the wealthy and their heirs.”
