Germany’s volunteers demand fairer rights and nationwide recognition

Millions keep Germany running—but are they valued enough? The Red Cross fights for equal rights as volunteers face patchy protections nationwide.

, and Administrator

2025 December 4 . 7:04 AM

1 min read

In this image, we can see a poster. Here we can see yellow color ambulance with some text and... — In this image, we can see a poster. Here we can see yellow color ambulance with some text and numerical numbers on it.

DRK President: Volunteers Deserve More Recognition - Germany’s volunteers demand fairer rights and nationwide recognition

Volunteers across Germany play a vital role in society, yet many still face unequal treatment. The German Red Cross (DRK) is now pushing for better working conditions and nationwide recognition. With over 27 million people volunteering in 2024, calls for fairer rules are growing louder.

DRK President Hermann Gröhe has demanded clearer appreciation and improved rights for volunteers. He stressed their importance in civil protection and democracy, urging equal treatment for all emergency responders. Some states, like Thuringia, Hesse, and Schleswig-Holstein, already lead in supporting volunteers. But elsewhere, inconsistencies remain in areas such as paid leave and workplace safety.

The push for equal rights and recognition continues as volunteers remain essential to Germany’s social fabric. With millions contributing their time, the DRK and other groups are pressing for concrete changes. Fairer conditions could soon become a reality if demands gain further political support.