German unions organize protests against social welfare reforms

German labor unions, including the DGB, IG Metall, and Verdi, are organizing protests against federal government reforms they characterize as attacks on social security. In Koblenz, over 100 union representatives and members gathered to voice opposition to proposed changes regarding pensions, healthcare, nursing care, and employee rights.

To signal their dissent, activists participated in a campaign titled ‘Red Card to Social Gutting,’ collecting over 5,000 postcards to be sent to government coalition members in Rhineland-Palatinate. Union leaders, including Hans-Jürgen Urban of IG Metall, warned of a period of ‘multiple crises’ and pledged to defend long-term pension benefits.

A nationwide day of action and large-scale demonstration is planned for September 26, 2026, under the slogan ‘Hard Earned! Your Work. Your Health. Your Pension.’ While unions focus on austerity in social sectors, some commentary notes a lack of explicit criticism regarding the diversion of funds toward military spending and rearmament.