After meeting with the coalition government and social partners, Frank Werneke, head of the service union Verdi, reiterated his demands and warned against cuts to the social safety net.
Speaking to Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland, Werneke stated that “nothing has changed regarding the issues that are important to us.” He acknowledged that different positions persist between employers and unions on topics concerning social insurance systems and the labor market, such as the debate over working hours. “That situation continues,” he explained.
Werneke stressed that reforms must not be disguised cuts or a “social clear-cutting operation.” Instead, he urged for reforms that would generate genuine economic growth based on strengthening purchasing power.
Furthermore, Werneke praised the meeting held at the Chancellery, noting that the format and atmosphere were good, and the coalition leaders had listened with “great attention and genuine interest.” He now emphasized that it was up to the coalition to reach decisions.
The union chief added that his organization would review the proceedings and draw its own conclusions, stating, “We are not a substitute government,” but also asserting, “We will present our arguments and are, of course, ready for dialogue.”
