German Unions Schedule September Demo Against Health and Welfare Cuts

German trade unions are planning large demonstrations for the end of September to protest a package of reforms that tighten the statutory health insurance (GKV) and cut various social benefits. The measures, approved by the CDU/CSU and SPD coalition and supported by the states, include reductions in housing benefits, delayed BAföG reforms, changes to tax relief for low‑income earners, cuts to parental allowance and child support, a higher retirement age, and increased co‑payments for medication and dental work. Additional provisions would raise costs for disabled assistance, youth welfare, and nursing home residents, limit access to care grades, and allow longer, repeatedly extendable fixed‑term contracts.

The unions cite earlier small protests in Freiburg, Konstanz and Singen and warn that the reforms will disproportionately affect people already struggling with everyday life. Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) and his deputy Lars Klingbeil (SPD) have been criticised for supporting the austerity package, which the unions say threatens the social safety net.