DGB Leader Yasmin Fahimi Warns of Massive Strikes Over Neoliberal Economic Policies in Germany

Yasmin Fahimi, head of the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB), has strongly criticized the federal government's neoliberal economic approach amid a significant economic stagnation phase. She accuses the black-red coalition government of misdirecting focus toward social welfare cuts and discussions around the citizen's income (Bürgergeld) instead of addressing the core economic crisis. Fahimi argues that these cuts provide no growth stimulus, calling it absurd to think that reducing social benefits can spur economic growth given that only 0.6% of Bürgergeld claimants are refusing it.

Fahimi warns about rising societal divisions resulting from government policies and suggests such fissures could benefit radical restructuring agendas. She explicitly threatened major strikes against companies that persist with neoliberal market policies attacking workers' hard-earned social benefits while demanding more labor and risking job losses. According to Fahimi, if current trends continue, the DGB and unions will respond accordingly to social and economic rifts.

Despite her warnings, Fahimi expressed a willingness to engage in constructive dialogue with employers regarding job security and sensible investments, but she emphasized that employer cooperation is essential and currently insufficient.

Overall, Fahimi’s critique highlights a growing frustration within Germany’s labor movement about neoliberal policymaking during one of the country’s largest modern economic stagnations. Her comments signal a potential escalation in industrial action if government and employer strategies do not shift.

This emerges at a time when many German workers also face rising living costs and housing shortages, though that issue is addressed more tangentially by other sources and is less central to Fahimi’s critique.