The German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) has called on the federal government to focus its policies more strongly on the modernization of the country and on economic growth. DGB chair Yasmin Fahimi told the Süddeutsche Zeitung (Monday) that this would require, for instance, a consistent industrial policy. “Only companies that conduct a significant portion of their research and production in Europe should receive state subsidies and tax benefits,” Fahimi demanded. She also suggested that the import of “technologically and strategically important products” should be limited.
Image: Shutterstock
Both the USA and China rely on the EU’s internal market, Fahimi added. “Germany must not make itself out to be smaller than it actually is. Otherwise, we will be crushed between Trump’s tariffs and heavily subsidized companies from China.”
Regarding upcoming social reforms, Fahimi also called for greater fairness. “Many employers narrow the concepts of growth and competitiveness down to low labor costs and social security contributions,” the DGB chairwoman stated. She warned policymakers against adopting the view held by some “managers and industry representatives” who see the current crisis as an opportunity to attack the welfare state. “The notion that a business’s order book improves the more its employees sacrifice is simply nonsense,” Fahimi said. While trade unions and workers are open to reform, they are not open to this type of reform. “People want reforms that are fair and that actually lead to improvements. They do not want an orgy of cuts.”
The chair of the DGB (German Trade Union Confederation) also commented on the rise of the AfD—a party widely classified as far-right—and its ambitions at the federal political level. According to Fahimi, a government led by the AfD would “lead Germany into the abyss.” She stated that such a government would intimidate groups it dislikes, dismantle democracy, and isolate Germany economically. The AfD, she added, has always opposed minimum wages and collective bargaining agreements; it is a party “that makes the rich even richer.”
Author: AFP – kas – Translated by Blackout News
Sources: AFP Press Portal