German trade unions rally on May 1, denouncing 8‑hour workday cuts and profit‑first policies

On May 1, the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) held hundreds of rallies across the country under the slogan “Erst unsere Jobs, dann eure Profite.” DGB chair Yasmin Fahimi addressed a main gathering in Nürnberg, condemning attempts to blame workers for the economic crisis and opposing any move to abolish the eight‑hour workday. She warned against proposals that could extend shifts to up to 13 hours, criticised cuts to pension security and called for stronger industrial policy and wealth redistribution.

The GEW district association in the Weser‑Ems region also organized May Day demonstrations, focusing on education staff. It reiterated the same slogan and highlighted job losses during Germany’s ongoing economic downturn, defending the eight‑hour workday, wage protections and health‑safety standards for teachers and childcare workers.

Both unions emphasized that good work conditions, secure jobs and social safety must take precedence over short‑term profit motives.