The German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) has called for joint discussions with the federal government concerning the planned reform package. DGB Chairwoman Yasmin Fahimi told the “Tagesspiegel” (Tuesday edition) that the union is always open to dialogue. “We are always ready to talk, gladly with Mr. Merz and his government, but also with employers” she stated, adding that she has been urging the federal government for months to exit its coalition bubble. “It needs to reconcile societal debates”.
However, Fahimi declined to discuss wage matters in Germany with the Union or the SPD. When asked if she would enter potential talks with preconditions, the DGB Chairwoman replied, “If the coalition wants to discuss labor costs with us, we are not prepared to do so. The collective bargaining parties are responsible for wage determination, no one else. I do not discuss wages with politicians”.
Furthermore, the DGB chief urged the federal and state governments to invest more quickly and effectively in infrastructure, emphasizing a strong focus on European products. “The state must expand the infrastructure more quickly and with clearer goals” she noted. Consequently, the DGB is advocating for the “preferencing of European products in all forms of state funding and support” a concept known as “local content”.