"Fridays For Future" is currently planning the third global climate strike, which will take place next Friday together with other climate protectors worldwide. The date has been deliberately chosen: in Berlin, the package of measures of the Climate Cabinet of the Federal Government will be presented on this day, and preparations for the UN climate summit on 23 September will take place in New York.
Previous demos mainly attracted students as well as students. This time, all generations should go out together, said Fridays for Future. But what do workers have to think about when they want to protest? Answers give union representatives and a labor lawyer:
What's "Fridays for Future" on September 20?
In Germany, demonstrations are planned in more than 400 cities, and over a thousand companies and associations have already pledged their support. Protests have been announced worldwide in over 2000 cities in 129 countries. "Young people have been on strike for nine months, but that's not enough - we need a big social alliance committed to a socially just climate policy," said Fridays For Future spokeswoman Carla Reemtsma to SPIEGEL. She was confident on the day of the strike that not only students on the street would be seen, but numerous civil society groups.
What do the unions say?
Many unions support the demonstrations. For example, Ver.di boss Frank Bsirske announced that he would attend himself - and called on the approximately two million members to do likewise. However: only outside working hours.
- Employees should be careful to stamp out,
- Take a vacation,
- to demonstrate during the lunch break
- or to talk to the boss about an exemption.
Similarly, the IG Metall and the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) commented: "Exchanges between the DGB and" Fridays for Future "already exist in several DGB districts and regions," the trade union confederation said. Wherever there are contacts, together with activists, one will talk about the best ways for more climate protection. For legal reasons, however, one can not call for the demos to be abandoned.
The Confederation of German Employers' Associations (BDA) also said: It is true that people are socially and politically involved. Whether an employee is allowed to take a vacation or work overtime, however, the employer has to decide for operational reasons: "Employees should not simply stay away from work without agreement on it."
What can workers do if they want to strike?
"Workers should not be fooled by the word 'strike', because legally this is less a strike than a demonstration," said labor lawyer Christoph Hauptvogel SPIEGEL. Therefore, be completely correct, what the unions call for: first free, then strike. "Should unions call for a strike anyway, workers could claim damages afterwards if they lose their jobs in the worst case scenario."
Striking outside working hours is, according to the lawyer, the only way to legally participate in the protests. Anyone who goes on strike, even though the employer has not granted a day off, refuses to work - and risks a warning, including termination without notice. "One-time demonstrations without unsubscribing, without notice, is unlikely, but quite possible," said Hauptvogel.
Why is the climate strike labor law not a "strike"?
Article nine, paragraph three in the Basic Law anchors the right to freedom of association: workers are allowed to unite in unions, as well as employers in associations. However, strikes are only permissible as a means of industrial action, as long as there is a collectively agreed "target", such as more wages, holidays or better working conditions.
Demands to the government, as the climate activists put them, covers the right to demonstrate. However, that does not exempt people from work.
