DGB calls for more dynamism in structural change in Lusatia

Full energy for Lusatia: The German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) has called for more dynamism in structural change in the south of Brandenburg and eastern Saxony. "Now must be clotted and not blotted. For this, a forward-looking structural policy is necessary, which focuses on tariff-bound, co-determined and sustainable jobs," said the head of the Saxon DGB Markus Schlimbach on Tuesday in Niesky. Especially in Saxony, he said, funds have not been invested in a sufficiently targeted manner.

"The economic transformation of Lusatia will only be successful if it produces good work across the board - with collectively agreed incomes and good working conditions," said Nele Techen, vice head of the DGB Berlin-Brandenburg. "Collective agreements for all companies must become the new standard in Lusatia now and in the future. Companies whose business model is based on precarious working conditions and government co-payments for low-wage workers have no future."

For the 19th Lusatia Conference, around 200 representatives from trade unions, companies, politics, administration, business and science had gathered. The challenges of structural change are enormous, Schlimbach stressed. However, the available financial resources are also an opportunity to develop Lusatia into a region of the future and to give the local people long-term prospects. The change should not be allowed to increase fears in the population.

A position paper with the core demands of the trade unions for the further development of Lusatia was presented at the conference. In it also more commitment is demanded for the vocational training and for a further training. One needs "more openness and a positive charisma of the region, so that skilled workers like to come to Lusatia and also stay here because they are welcome." To achieve this, it is necessary to invest in democratic structures and the common good. Also necessary is a sustainable infrastructure.