Community members join forces with fellow young trade unionists in Germany

Community members from Wales travelled to Germany this summer to meet with fellow young trade unionists. The exchange programme was coordinated as part of the TUC’s Just Transition forum in Dusseldorf. Our young representatives Morgan Irvine and Tomas Flood report back on the experience below.

Morgan Irvine said:

“During my trip to Düsseldorf I met a group of people from all over the UK and Ireland who were all at different stages of their trade unionist journey. It was great to talk to people who had been in the union for years and had many experiences within it, but also to people who were just starting out.

“On the first day we walked to the DGB (German Trade Union Federation) building where we met Andreas, Juliane and James. Here Andreas gave us a brief PowerPoint on German history and how the trade unions work compared to the UK. This sparked great conversations about the comparisons between the two and what each side could adopt from the other, but also key differences in the culture surrounding the history of Germany and general life from day to day. The example I found most profound was that in Germany there are only 8 main unions. The unions don’t differ in the workplace, rather differ by industry ie all steel workers are in the same union, all police are in another etc.

“The rest of the trip involved going to different workplaces and speaking to their ‘works council’, which is the equivalent to a union rep, discussing what role they play within the union and how it works at their specific company. We visited an open mine pit, Thyssenkrupp and also the parliamentary state building. It was interesting talking to all the people who worked in complete opposite industries and seeing how they all operate.

“At the state parliament building we met Lisa Kapteinat, an MP for SPD in North Rhine-Westphalia. With Lisa we discussed the importance of trade unions and being a part of the movement. We also spoke on the importance of the industrial transitions which are happening in Germany currently, and how that relates back to what is happening in the steelworks in South Wales. It was interesting to see how it was being handled In Düsseldorf vs the UK. In my opinion the fact that everyone in the same industry is with the same union helps the transition as everyone is on the same page which causes less delays and confusion. This could be something which would better the movement in the UK.

“Finally we met with other young delegates from all over Germany and Austria. This was my favourite part of the trip and we got to talk about specific issues which effect us as young workers but also learn from each other about cultures, religions and how your background effects us all to this day and shapes you into who you are. Whilst with them we were given an opportunity to discuss historical remembrance in all our countries. It was interesting to hear their points, especially about what happened during the war shaping their societies and even laws to how they are to this day. It was great to connect with other like-minded young workers who have had completely opposite experiences in life, yet somehow being so similar within the movement. Overall it was an amazing trip where I learned so much about others but also about myself and where I stand within the union.”

Tomas Flood said:

“Firstly I would like to thank the DGB union for hosting us on this trip, everything we saw, spoke about and learnt I will take forward with me for the rest as my life. I would also like to thank the TUC/Community Union for organising the trip and helping us with everything we needed.

“On the first day after a lot of traveling we had a short meeting to introduce us to Germany’s unions, how they are structured and their history. This was extremely insightful and useful for the whole trip as a base understanding helped when talking to other union representatives of the country.

“The second day was a great experience, we first went to the biggest open pit mine in Europe and got shown the inner workings of the worksite. We then spoke about the future of the site and even though I was upset to hear the site was closing I was pleased to hear the help they are getting to replace jobs and create a lake to not let all of that hard work go to waste. It was impressive to hear that when they shut down a nearby mine 80,000 jobs were at risk and with the help from the unions and state not a single person went without work which gives me hope for this country and the state Port Talbot steelworks is in at the moment.

“We then went to Thysenkrupp steel, the largest steelworks in Europe, which coming from a steelworks myself was eye opening. We spoke about the future of the steel industry in Germany as the green initiative has forced them to look into more eco-friendly steel procedures. This again gives me hope as Port Talbot are going through the same situation at the moment and seeing Thysenkrupp showcase the planning so well it seems achievable for us to do the same.

“The third day we took a trip to state parliament to experience a debate from Dusseldorf’s government. I couldn’t understand what they were saying but the experience again was once in a lifetime! We also spoke to government officials to ask questions about the future of German politics and what they had to say about the mines closing.

“After this we met with other German and Austrian unions to discuss the effects of World War 2 and the Nazi regime which I have never done before. The insight from what they had experienced and what they still experienced was very eye-opening. This discussion was my favourite part of the trip because after all our countries have been through, our common struggles brought us together and I can truly say I have my friends for life from the German and Austrian delegations.

“On the last day we had a debrief on how the trip went, how the DGB could improve and what we liked most about the experience. It was great to hear everyone’s input.

“The experience I have gained from this exchange will help me improve my own union/workplace and hopefully in the future this country. The divides we once had have disappeared and I feel that this trip has made myself and in turn my union stronger and more knowledgeable. I will take what I have learnt and go forward to teach others what I have been shown.

“Thank you again to the DGB, the TUC, Community Union and everyone that was involved I cannot wait to go back and learn more from such a beautiful place.”

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