Germany’s Verdi union is warning against large-scale repatriations of Syrians from Germany following the overthrow of dictator Bashar al-Assad there.
Verdi leader Frank Werneke, in a video interview with dpa, said that large repatriations are “against the interests of the people and, incidentally, also against the interests of the labour market, at least in parts of Germany.”
He advised “approaching the situation with a cool head.”
“Many are integrated and established in the labour market here and are also important for us,” the labour leader said.
Syrians work for instance in retail, delivery services, or in care sectors. Many have become Verdi members.
Werneke urged the German government and European Union to closely monitor the situation in Syria. When forming a transitional government, ethnic and religious groups should be considered.
“As democratic conditions as possible” should be organized, Werneke said. “This is crucial for the many people who are refugees in Germany regarding their future prospects.”
From his own conversations in recent days, he is aware of various reactions from Syrians in Germany. They closely observe the situation in Syria and generally are very pleased about al-Assad’s overthrow, emphasized Werneke.
“Many are also considering if and when they might return to Syria,” he said. However, he noted that it is crucial for everyone to first see what actually happens in the country now.
Verdi, others could help Syria establish unions
In establishing democratic conditions in Syria, unions play an important role. “There have been no free unions in Syria for many, many decades,” the Verdi leader said, noting that free unions are part of a democratic state.
“Therefore, I see it as our responsibility, together with the international union federations of which we are members, to help establish free unions there, ” he said.
In Germany, union rights are anchored in the country’s constitution.
Syria, which has been severely torn apart by civil war, is experiencing massive destruction and a significant decline in production capacities in manufacturing and agriculture. Even before al-Assad’s overthrow, costs for goods and services had risen sharply.
