Saxony: DGB: Structural change money only for high-quality jobs

Pegau (dpa/sn) - When distributing the structural change funds in the coalfields, the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) is urging that collectively agreed jobs can be created with it.

Saxony: DGB: Structural change money only for high-quality jobs

Pegau (dpa/sn) - When distributing the structural change funds in the coalfields, the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) is urging that collectively agreed jobs can be created with it. "Where public tax money goes, it also has to go into proper work," said DGB board member Stefan Körzell in Pegau. The infrastructure must be created so that companies can settle that offer precisely such high-quality jobs.

Körzell, a former member of the coal commission, visited the central German mining area on Wednesday. In addition to a discussion with the management of the power plant in Lippendorf, a meeting with the local district administrators and mayors was also on the agenda. His impression is that attempts are being made in the region to shape structural change, said Körzell. Despite the current "roller coaster ride on the energy markets", he has not heard once in the talks that the decision to phase out coal by 2038 is being questioned.

The deputy head of the DGB in Saxony, Daniela Kolbe, criticized the way in which structural change projects were selected in the Free State. "Something has to change," she said. The issue of creating collectively agreed jobs played far too little of a role.

In addition, the state government is acting with little transparency when it comes to the planned location of two large research centers, said Kolbe. One research facility each is to be located in Lusatia and in the Leipzig region, and there are six projects to choose from - from climate change research to space travel and the future of construction. Reference is always made to the federal government, although to the best of its knowledge the state government has a say in the decision-making process. "We haven't heard yet under what premises this is happening. They are all very exciting projects, but it is a directional decision for the respective region," said Kolbe. The decision should be made in the fall.