About 175,000 people joined demonstrations in 15 German cities on Saturday, the German Trade Union Confederation said, opposing planned spending cuts and proposed changes to working hours and pensions; union leaders warned against cuts to social protections.
DGB chair Yasmin Fahimi opposed weakening the eight-hour working day and ending penalty-free early retirement after 45 years of contributions. She also said rapid infrastructure investment was crucial for economic renewal.
Ver.di leader Frank Werneke called the coalition’s plans an “attack” on workers’ rights and the welfare state. The Confederation of German Employers’ Associations accused unions of a “ritual refusal to reform,” saying they oppose almost every change.
