Union leader slams CDU/CSU as labour rights face pre-election threat
Frank Werneke, head of the Ver.di service workers' union, has warned voters against backing parties that weaken social protections. His comments come as the CDU/CSU pushes for labour market reforms ahead of key state elections in 2026.
The union leader criticised the party's shift toward economically liberal policies, claiming they favour employers over workers.
Werneke accused the CDU/CSU of making unfulfillable promises on pensions and reforms at the expense of employees. He argued that a pro-labour faction within the party has all but disappeared, leaving business interests dominant.
In recent years, the Union has called for flexible labour laws, including easier dismissals and less bureaucracy. They also supported raising the minimum wage to €12.82 by 2025. But Werneke claimed some employers now feel emboldened by the party's pre-election pledges.
The CDU/CSU's 2026 election programme, titled Leistung statt Ideologie (Performance over Ideology), targets what it calls overregulation under the current coalition. Proposals include restricting part-time work rights and weakening public sector job protections. Werneke warned these moves would undermine workers' security.
Lobby groups and Union politicians have also pushed for changes to unemployment benefits, aiming to incentivise work. Werneke, however, sees this as part of a broader neoliberal agenda gaining ground within the party.
The Ver.di chairman's remarks highlight growing tensions over labour policy before the 2026 state votes. The CDU/CSU's reform plans could reshape job protections and social standards if implemented.
Werneke's call to voters reflects concerns that workers' rights may face further cuts under a Union-led government.
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