Jubilees celebrate 70 years of union: a look back at the change!

Jubilees celebrate 70 years of union: a look back at the change!

In the Siegen-Wittgenstein and Olpe region, a very special anniversary was recently celebrated. 343 members who entered the ver.di union in 1954, 1959, 1964, 1974, 1984 and 1999 were recognized on the occasion of their long -term commitment. The focus of the event was a solemn speech by Michael Reitz, the chairman of the senior board of ver.di.

Reitz emphasized how important the members have been for the union over the years and how they always fought for the rights of employees. The link between the history of the union and the political developments in the country became clear. "The unions have always played the role of representing the interests of the workers and keeping an eye on their challenges," he said.

insight into the challenges for employees

A central topic of the speech was the still necessary fight for employee rights. Tanja Krönert, the district chairman, emphasized the need to fight for more humane working conditions and to emphasize the importance of just wages. She stated that despite the progress achieved, there are still many challenges, for example the creation of equivalent wages for equivalent work. "Currently, if you fall under a collective agreement, an average of 500 euros more in your pocket," explained Krönert.

The political situation was another topic that crowns on. She focused on the latest election results from three federal states and expressed concern about the direction in which politics seems to go. "Anyone who lowers the top tax rate and abolish the inheritance tax only serves the rich and deprives the state of the means they need for their tasks," she warned. In doing so, she also gave the views of those a clear cancellation that believes that they can solve the country's problems through the references of "non -German". "Our economy is dependent on these people," she emphasized in her speech.

In detail on the role of women in society, she criticized efforts to view women only as mothers and wives. "Such views lead the country into economic ruin," said Krönert and made it clear that the current election programs do not offer a real alternative.

District Managing Director Michael Schnippering illuminated the various decades that the jubilees had undergone, and reflected on political and social changes for the past 70 years. "In these times we have seen that the struggle for democratic values is more important than ever. Right parties gain influence, and it is time to position themselves against hatred and exclusion," Schnippering asked those present to continue traditions of union commitment.

"Let us remember that trade unionists always offer a future perspective," he said, emphasizing that a lot can be moved in the community if you come together. The celebration ended in a solemn ambience, and those present had enough opportunity to talk to each other and to exchange ideas. This gathering was not only an honor of the jubilees, but also an inventory of the challenges and the commitment that lies ahead of them. As in a report on www.lokalplus to wait and see how the trade union movement will develop in times of change.