German trade unions to protest job and budget cuts on May Day

Germany’s trade unions plan to stage several hundred rallies across the country on Friday, the international labour day holiday known as May Day, to protest against job cuts and cuts to social benefits

“Our jobs first, your profits second” is the slogan for this year’s events.

The main demands are the preservation of the eight-hour workday, social benefits and a secure state pension, as well as the introduction of higher taxes on large fortunes.

According to the trade unions, companies should only receive state funding if they also invest in Germany. Secure jobs and social security must take precedence over employers’ profit interests.

The main rally, featuring DGB trade union federation President Yasmin Fahimi, will take place in Nuremberg this year.

The Social Democrats’ dual leadership will also be appearing, specifically in North Rhine-Westphalia: Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil is due to speak in Bergkamen, and Labour Minister Bärbel Bas in Duisburg, both in western Germany.