Press Release No. 46/2015 IG Metall calls for greater tolerance, humanity, and democracy on Anti-War Day, and for...

Frankfurt am Main – On Anti-War Day, September 1, IG Metall is calling for resistance against xenophobia, racism, and anti-Semitism. “Anti-War Day is more than just a day of remembrance and reflection on the outbreak of World War II with Nazi Germany’s invasion of Poland and the commemoration of the 60 million people across Europe who died in the war of annihilation. It is a commitment to stand up for tolerance, humanity, and democracy here and now. There must be no place for xenophobia among us,” said Detlef Wetzel, President of IG Metall, on Monday in Frankfurt.

Never since the end of World War II have there been more refugees worldwide than there are today. “We are dismayed and ashamed by the extent to which refugees in Germany are met with racism and xenophobia. This makes the societal backlash all the more impressive. Many people refuse to allow this aggressive and negative attitude of a vocal minority to shape the mood in our country. What we need now is social solidarity, a commitment to democracy, and wise policies,” said Wetzel.

Every day, the many people—including numerous union members—who welcome and help refugees and immigrants demonstrate how this can be achieved. “That is why politicians, the business community, unions, and other civil society groups must develop concrete projects that ensure better integration of refugees and immigrants,” Wetzel urged.