“Hands off our welfare state”: EVIM makes its presence felt at a demonstration in Wiesbaden
Well over a thousand people are marching through Wiesbaden today, Saturday, to protest cuts to the welfare state and restrictions on workers’ rights. Right in the middle of it all are about 100 EVIM colleagues. Employees, managers, trainees, and clients are joining forces to make one thing clear: social security, quality care, education, and social participation must not fall victim to budget cuts.
Under the slogan “Hands off our welfare state,” a broad coalition gathered at Wiesbaden’s main train station on Saturday afternoon. Following speeches by representatives from the healthcare, education, and labor sectors, as well as social democratic organizations, the demonstration march set off through the city center toward Kranzplatz, where the closing rally was to take place. The demonstration was organized by a coalition of unions, employee representative bodies, political parties, and civil society organizations. VMAV EVIM is also among the coalition partners.
EVIM Colleagues Take to the Streets Together
EVIM is represented at the demonstration by around 100 people from various fields of work. Participation from EVIM’s elder care division, as part of the Care Action Alliance, is particularly strong: caregivers, trainees, managers, and executives are taking to the streets together. Employees from the social inclusion and youth services divisions, as well as clients and members of the EVIM Board of Directors, are also participating. VMAV EVIM is present as a co-initiator of the coalition.
For EVIM, the demands touch on central aspects of daily social work. Quality care requires reliable framework conditions and good working conditions. Children and young people need services that provide them with opportunities and support. People with disabilities have a right to social participation. The joint call explicitly highlights precisely these areas: services for children, youth, and integration support must not fall victim to budget cuts; quality care requires good working conditions and wages.
The protest is directed against policies that subject social security systems and public services to increasing pressure to cut costs. The coalition views a strong welfare state as the foundation for social cohesion and democracy. The joint appeal therefore also states: “The welfare state is not a luxury.”
In addition to protecting social benefits, the coalition calls for investments in education, health care, and infrastructure; good and fair working conditions; and a more equitable financing of public services. The DGB Wiesbaden Rheingau-Taunus also warns against weakening social security systems. Cuts could further undermine people’s trust in the state and democracy.
Kickoff for Further Social Protests
The demonstration in Wiesbaden also marks the start of further nationwide protests. Already during the rally, participants are being called upon to join the large-scale demonstration and DGB Day of Action announced for September 26 in Frankfurt am Main, where tens of thousands of people are expected to attend.
For the EVIM MitMenschen members who are on the streets in Wiesbaden today, one message is particularly central: A strong welfare state has a direct impact on people’s living conditions—and on the ability of social institutions to reliably accompany and support them. That is why they are joining many others in Wiesbaden to make their voices heard: Hands off our welfare state! (hk)