As celebrations marking German Unity approach, labor unions are urging the governing coalition to prioritize the needs of workers, while the Free Democratic Party (FDP) is calling for “bold and courageous reforms.
Yasmin Fahimi, Chair of the German Confederation of Trade Unions (DGB), highlighted the enduring disparity in wages between eastern and western Germany as an unfulfilled promise of reunification. She emphasized the government’s responsibility to enact a law strengthening collective bargaining agreements, stating that it would demonstrate a commitment to fair wages. She noted that workers with collective bargaining agreements in eastern Germany typically earn approximately €700 more per month than those without.
Fahimi cautioned against austerity measures, arguing that a fairer tax system renders such cuts unnecessary. She proposed reforms including inheritance tax adjustments, a one-time wealth tax and the reintroduction of a wealth tax to bolster public finances and mitigate the growing social divide, particularly between older and newer federal states.
Christiane Benner, Chair of IG Metall, called on Chancellor Merz to acknowledge past management failures within industry during his upcoming remarks on German Unity. Benner asserted that the current industrial crisis is attributable to short-term profit-seeking and flawed management decisions, not the workforce and that families are now facing job insecurity and declining living standards. She urged employers to invest in domestic operations and cease disparaging the country’s economic competitiveness. Benner acknowledged that some companies require support but cautioned against measures that lead to job losses.
The FDP’s Christian Dürr voiced similar expectations of Chancellor Merz, demanding “bold and courageous reforms”. He criticized Merz for a record of unfulfilled promises and a strategy of attempting to spur growth through debt, which he deemed unsuccessful. Dürr underscored the principles of freedom and courage embodied by German Unity and urged the Chancellor to move beyond a cycle of announcements and implement necessary reforms, especially within the social welfare system. He expressed a public weariness of delays and a desire for decisive action.
