Martin Gross takes stock: Verdi in the crisis, the future of democracy under pressure!

Martin Gross takes stock: Verdi in the crisis, the future of democracy under pressure!

Leinfelden-Echterdingen, Deutschland - On July 5, 2023, Martin Gross will step down as the state chairman of Verdi after nine years. Born in Reutlinger, who has been active in the union since 1984, initially plans a two -week break before he finally handed over his office and supports his successor Maike Schollenberger. His term of office officially ends on November 1, 2023. After his resignation, he looks optimistically into the future: He recently enjoyed himself as an grandfather and is running for the chair of the VdK in the district of Tübingen in September.

In his review of the time at Verdi, both proud and concern. He emphasizes positive developments, including improving communication and creating a service center. Nevertheless, there are also dark spots: failed start -ups and operating closures hurt him. "The service industry could benefit from losses in industry," says Gross, "but many employees are faced with a difficult transition period."

The challenge for the unions

The political situation is very important. "Democracy crumbles, that makes me restless," he says, stating the necessary respectful approach to different political opinions. He sees the AfD's political style particularly critically, which he perceives as defamatory. He emphasizes that a party -independent attitude is important, but also has discussions with various political parties, including the SPD.

membership development and the right to strike

Verdi has had a decline in the number of members from 2.8 million to currently 1.9 million since 2001, which is not only a local but also a nationwide phenomenon. At the entire German level, the DGB unions have lost around one million members in the past ten years, as current statistics show. This was also evident in the tariff results of 2023, in which ver.di members could benefit from wage increases, among other things, 700 employees achieve a reduction in working time with full wage compensation.

The right to strike is anchored in the Basic Law and is used by the unions as an important means of pressure to enforce their goals. Unions not only represent the interests of the members, but also offer important support for conflicts with employers. It is no coincidence that the largest number of strikes in recent years has seen a significant increase in mobilizations, often combined with intensive collective bargaining.

The challenges are big, but great is optimistic: "I don't think Verdi will be dissolved in 50 years." In social professions in particular, the union has an increase in members, which shows that the working conditions and the representation of employee interests are more in demand than ever.

for the future of Verdi and the political framework in which the unions act, it remains to be seen how the situation develops. A negotiating community with the civil servant association is also planned in order to better demonstrate the concerns and needs of the members. Martin Gross' inheritance will play a major role either way when it comes to the course of the coming years.

Further information on the developments at Verdi you can read [here] ( https://www.verdi.de/ueber-uns/+co++409709aaee-11ee-8dc8-c5e549d53af1 ). Social policy and the role of the unions will continue to remain a central discussion in society in the future. The [Statista] ( https://de.statista.com/themen/3099/gägerkschafts-in-deutschland/ ) also offers more detailed insights into membership development and strike activities in Germany.

The review of the big 'term and the challenges in front of which the union is standing are not only alive, but also an impetus for active disputes with the current political conditions.