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Trade unions are calling for a change in collective bargaining: Osnabrück stands together for rights!
On July 5, 2025, 50 delegates met in Osnabrück to discuss future trade union priorities and collective bargaining changes.
Trade unions are calling for a change in collective bargaining: Osnabrück stands together for rights!
The conference of the DGB member unions, which brought together 50 delegates, focused on important topics and the future direction in Osnabrück and the surrounding area. Under the leadership of Nicole Verlage, managing director of the Osnabrück – Emsland – Grafschaft Bentheim region, central priorities were set for the coming years. The chairwoman of the Osnabrück employment agency's management board, Tina Heliosch, also took part in the event in Haus Rahenkamp with a welcoming speech. She highlighted the role of trade unions as indispensable partners in the field of labor market conditions and highlighted the importance of skills.
Stefan Kurzel, board member of the DGB, found clear words when he denounced the current political developments. According to him, the threat posed by extreme right-wing movements should not be underestimated. He warned strongly about the possible negative impact of these trends on fair working conditions and democratic principles. The participants at the conference decided to unite behind the demand for a change in collective bargaining and to take tough action against attacks on the right to strike and the 8-hour day.
Elections and unity for workers' rights
Nils Bielkone was elected chairman of the city association, while Lars Völkel took over the helm of the district association. Both candidates emphasized their strong commitment to the rights of working people in their speeches. The team is determined to be a voice for employees and loudly represent their interests.
In this context, it is important to mention that strikes, especially in areas of public services such as railways, daycare centers and clinics, can have far-reaching effects on the general public. As emphasized on the DGB website, working people often have to find solutions when facilities such as daycare centers go on strike or trains stop operating. Such disruptions contribute to the potential for critical healthcare operations to be jeopardized. Political voices are therefore calling for longer notice periods and mandatory arbitration procedures, but unions see this as a restriction on the right to strike, which is enshrined in the constitution.
Legal framework for strikes
As the Haufe platform explains in detail, there are strict legal requirements for a lawful strike. The strike must be organized by a union and must not violate any legal obligations such as peace obligations. In addition, it must aim at goals that can be regulated by collective agreements and proportionality must be maintained. Particularly in the area of public services, the implementation of emergency services is essential, which the unions also respect. However, this does not mean that the rights of employees can be left behind.
The current situation once again illustrates how changeable times are for employees and unions. Given the challenges posed by political currents and social tensions, the commitment to workers' rights remains central to ensuring fair and competitive working conditions.