He fought for us! The Legacy of Michael Sommer, which is now also influencing Vienna

For our readers who engage daily with the challenges and developments of the working world in Vienna and Austria, looking at Sommer's life's work offers valuable insights and points of connection. His struggles and successes have indirectly influenced discussions about fair wages and working conditions in this country as well.

A Life at the Forefront of the Workers' Movement

Michael Sommer was a voice for workers and employees, a personality who fought with passion and conviction for social justice. From 2002 to 2014, he led the DGB, the umbrella organization of eight major German individual trade unions. During this time, he navigated the trade union movement through turbulent years of economic upheavals and socio-political debates.

But his influence began much earlier: Sommer was also instrumental in the founding of the service trade union Verdi, one of the largest individual trade unions in Europe. His ability to unite diverse interests and form a strong, united front for workers' concerns was remarkable. He understood how to recognize and actively address the challenges of a changing working world, always with the aim of strengthening the position of workers.

The Legacy: The Tireless Fight for the Minimum Wage

One of Michael Sommer's most enduring legacies is undoubtedly his tireless advocacy for the introduction of a statutory minimum wage in Germany. For many years, this was a central demand of the trade unions, which faced considerable resistance. Sommer fought vigorously for this social achievement, which only became a reality in 2015 – a year after the end of his term.

The introduction of the minimum wage in Germany had far-reaching effects and became a model for other countries that were or are engaged in similar debates. Even in Austria, where wage determination is traditionally regulated through collective agreements, the discourse on a statutory minimum wage has repeatedly been influenced by the experiences and arguments from Germany. Michael Sommer's persistence and persuasiveness played a key role in laying this important social foundation, which ensures a dignified income for millions of people.

Honoring an Unwavering Visionary

The German Trade Union Confederation praised Michael Sommer as someone who "significantly shaped the fate of the German trade union movement." Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier also emphasized in his tribute that Sommer's overarching goal was "to make the working world more humane, fairer, and future-proof." These words reflect the core of his work: He was not only concerned with short-term successes but with a fundamental improvement in the living and working conditions for all.

Michael Sommer is remembered as a champion for social justice and as a visionary of a solidarity-based working world. His legacy continues in the achievements he fought for and in the inspiration he gave to many in the fight for fair conditions. Especially in times when the working world is changing rapidly, his call for a more humane and fairer design is more relevant than ever – and a stimulus for ongoing debates in Vienna and throughout Austria.

Questions and Answers about the DGB

What is the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) and what role does it play?

The German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) is the largest umbrella organization of trade unions in Germany. It represents the interests of around 5.8 million workers from various industries. Its main tasks are coordinating trade union work, representing workers' interests to politics and employers, and promoting social justice and better working conditions.

How does the minimum wage differ in Germany and Austria?

In Germany, there has been a legally established minimum wage since 2015, which is regularly adjusted. In Austria, there is no general statutory minimum wage. Instead, minimum wages are set by industry through collective agreements between trade unions and employer associations. This generally leads to different minimum wages depending on the industry and qualification.

What role do trade unions play in today's working world?

Trade unions continue to play an important role in representing the interests of workers. They negotiate collective agreements, advocate for fair wages, safe working conditions, and social security. In a changing working world with digitalization and flexibility, they are also important players in shaping new work models and ensuring qualification and further training for employees.

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.