The welfare state will not be scaled back even in difficult times – this was confirmed by Chancellor Scholz in a speech at the federal congress of the ver.di trade union. He also emphasized the importance of collective agreements and collective bargaining.
Even in the current situation, Chancellor Olaf Scholz sees no reason for savings in the social sector. It is “a good sign that we have improved the welfare state security in Germany during these times,” he said at the opening of the federal congress of the ver.di trade union in Berlin.
He opposes all those who said that because times are difficult, the welfare state must be scaled back. “The opposite is true,” emphasized the Chancellor. He will also do everything to ensure that a stable pension level can be guaranteed in Germany – even beyond 2025.
Scholz also spoke out in favor of strengthening collective bargaining in Germany. His coalition will pass the agreed collective bargaining law. It should prevent government contracts from being awarded to companies that work with wage dumping. “We need good wages,” said the SPD politician. “We need more collective agreements, not less.”
The Chancellor clearly criticized the Minimum Wage Commission’s decision to increase the minimum wage from the current 12.00 euros to 12.41 euros next year and to 12.82 euros in 2025. This recommendation was not unanimous, but went against the votes of the union representatives on the commission, who would have wanted a larger increase. “The social partnership in this country would have made it necessary to make an amicable decision,” said Scholz.
During Scholz’s speech, participants held banners calling for peace negotiations and a ceasefire in view of Russia’s war of aggression.
During Scholz’s speech, a number of banners were held up in the hall. In addition to protesting against the planned entry of a Swiss company into the Hamburg port logistics company HHLA, the banners also dealt with the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. They bore slogans such as “Negotiating instead of shooting” and “For a ceasefire and peace negotiations.”
Scholz addressed this and said: “It is a cynical statement to tell someone whose territory the tanks of another country are rolling that they should negotiate instead of defending themselves.” The basis for negotiations is that Russian President Vladimir Putin realizes that he has to withdraw his troops.
Werneke calls for higher taxes for the rich
At the start of the congress, Ver.di boss Frank Werneke called for higher taxes for the wealthy. In Germany, the gap between working people in poverty and privileges for inheritances and large fortunes is far too wide. Taxes “for the rich and crisis winners” must be raised, he said. “We need policies that eliminate social inequality.”
A new board is to be elected at the six-day federal congress on Monday. Werneke is seeking re-election. Discussions on the numerous applications will begin on Tuesday.