Berlin, September 9, 2026 – IG Metall, alongside the German Trade Union Federation (DGB) and its affiliated unions, is organizing a nationwide day of action in Berlin on September 26, 2026. The initiative, titled “Hard-earned! Your work. Your health. Your pension,” seeks to underscore the importance of a strong welfare state and to protest against policies that undermine social security and workers’ rights. Participants are invited to gather at 12:00 p.m. at the IG Metall building on Alte Jakobstraße 149, from where the march will proceed to City Hall for a concluding rally.
A Call for Solidarity and Security
The organizers emphasize that the welfare state is not a concession but a fundamental right earned by workers. They assert that good, secure jobs, comprehensive healthcare, and a reliable retirement income are non-negotiable. In an era marked by economic uncertainties and job insecurity, the unions highlight the critical role of solidarity-based safeguards and social cohesion.
Christian von Polentz, a representative of IG Metall, stated on September 8, 2026, that the march aims to send a clear message to politicians and employers. “We need a growth agenda for Germany and Europe that fosters innovation and reduces dependencies,” he said, stressing the need for trust in workers who contribute to the nation’s prosperity.
Key Demands of the March
The action day focuses on several core demands, addressing critical areas of workers’ rights and social welfare:
For Growth and Investment:
- Active policies supporting industry, services, skilled trades, and innovation to secure jobs and business locations.
- Increased investment in sustainable infrastructure, financed through higher taxes on large fortunes.
For Good, Collectively Bargained, and Healthy Work:
- Protection of the Working Hours Act, opposing any attempts to weaken it.
- Abolition of unjustified fixed-term and chain contracts.
- Promotion of trust over suspicion, specifically rejecting mandatory sick leave certificates on the first day of absence.
For an Effective and Affordable Healthcare and Long-Term Care System:
- Fair financing models where everyone contributes equitably.
- Fully funded, collectively bargained wages for workers in the care sector.
- Comprehensive healthcare coverage accessible across the entire state.
For a Pension that Ensures a Decent Living:
- Pensions without reductions for long-term insured workers and for block-age part-time work, asserting that 45 years of contributions are sufficient.
- A retirement age that workers can realistically reach in good health.
- Good and fairly funded occupational pensions for all.
The unions collectively reject policies that lead to benefit cuts and the erosion of labor rights, urging participants to stand together for reforms that will create a better and more just society.
Background to the Action
The call for this march comes amidst ongoing debates about the future of the welfare state and the challenges posed by economic shifts and demographic changes. Trade unions across Germany have consistently advocated for stronger social protections and fair labor practices, viewing these as essential for societal stability and individual well-being.
This demonstration is part of a broader movement to ensure that economic growth is inclusive and that the benefits of prosperity are shared widely. The organizers believe that a strong welfare state provides the necessary security for individuals and families, particularly in times of rapid change and uncertainty.
The event is expected to draw a significant number of participants, reflecting widespread concerns about social inequality and the erosion of workers’ rights. The march will culminate in a rally at City Hall, where union leaders and supporters will reiterate their demands and call for concrete actions from policymakers.
The organizers encourage everyone who believes in a strong and just welfare state to join the march and make their voices heard. They emphasize that collective action is crucial in shaping policies that prioritize the well-being of all citizens.
Source: https://berlin.igmetall.de/eng/news/2026/march-for-the-welfare-state-on-september-26-in-berlin
