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European elections should not be transformed into a "brainstorming session"

The German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) in Saxony warns of a potential shift to the right in this Sunday's European and local elections. Markus Schlimbach, DGB Saxony's head, emphasized the importance of each vote to fortify democratic forces in Europe and at the municipal level during a...

Saxony's DGB Chairman Markus Schlimbach.
Saxony's DGB Chairman Markus Schlimbach.

Labor organizations - European elections should not be transformed into a "brainstorming session"

The EU Minimum Wage Directive plays a crucial role in determining remuneration conditions in Saxony, as Schlimbach points out. This directive dictates that the statutory minimum wage should be increased to 60% of the median wage in Germany, and it also aims to enhance collective bargaining. Countries with less than 80% of collective bargaining must create plans to boost it. Being part of this group with a 52% collective bargaining rate, Germany is in need of negotiations, particularly in Saxony, where the percentage is only 43%. According to Schlimbach, these talks are essential, and the EU is providing motivated support for the collective bargaining transition in Saxony.

Schlimbach argues that people calling for less Europe, transforming the EU into solely an internal market, or, worst-case scenario, rebuilding borders should be denied. He stresses the potential consequences for employees, businesses, and society as a whole if this happened, including less investment, fewer jobs, disrupted supply chains, and skilled workers who no longer migrate to Saxony. Most importantly, Europe should be enhanced, not dismantled, in the tripartite region.

Speaking about the local level, Schlimbach highlights the significance of municipal elections in towns, cities, and districts. These bodies make decisions that directly affect people's daily lives. This includes matters concerning social security, infrastructure development, educational and recreational facilities, social services, housing, public transportation, and more.

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  1. The upcoming local elections in Dresden, being a significant part of Saxony, will influence decisions impacting daily lives of its residents.
  2. The DGB, being a strong advocate for workers' rights, supports the need for Germany to focus on increasing its collective bargaining rate, especially in regions like Dresden.
  3. In the context of European elections, the DGB emphasizes that a shift to the right could have negative consequences, affecting employment, investment, and supply chains, potentially impacting Saxony as well.
  4. The EU Parliament plays a vital role in preserving the minimum wage directive, which plays a crucial part in determining remuneration conditions in municipalities like Dresden.
  5. Elections in Europe and Germany have the power to influence the strengthening or weakening of collective bargaining rights in Saxony, as well as the development of social security, infrastructure, and other amenities in municipalities like Dresden.
  6. The Minimum Wage Directive fosters a balanced labor market, potentially leading to better life conditions for employees in municipalities like Dresden, in accordance with the EU's vision for its member states.
  7. In the light of future elections, it is crucial for Saxony to not only consider the shift to the right but also the positive impact of Europe in municipalities like Dresden, such as investment, job creation, and education opportunities.

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