Stories from Herborn · Germany

Oliver Scheldt of IGE Metall Herborn stated that employees at automotive suppliers are concerned about their job security. The group expressed a desire to prevent the erosion of labor rights. A union representative stated that flexibility becomes a burden when working hours are set with extremely short notice and expectations for constant availability increase. The representative said that planning and reliability for both work and leisure time must be maintained. The DGB-Hessentüringen reported a 20% increase in attacks compared to last year. Approximately 800 participants attended a central rally in Herborn, which chairman Michael Rudolf stated was three times the usual turnout. Rudolf cited fears regarding job security as a driver for the increased participation. He called on politicians to avoid cutting social welfare spending.

Demonstrations and rallies are occurring across Germany to mark May Day. At least 25 other demonstrations are reported in cities including Kassel, Limburg, Wiesbaden, and Frankfurt. Ulf Immelt of the DGB Hessen Thüringen stated that there are attacks on achievements.