The European trade union movement today joins tributes to the life of Michael Sommer, the former chairman of the DGB and former Vice President of the ETUC who passed away in June.
As the head of the German Confederation of Trade Unions between 2002 and 2014, he laid the foundation for the adoption of a statutory minimum wage and led the fight to prevent the expansion of precarious employment.
At European level, he prioritised the fight to strengthen the collective bargaining rights of European workers during his tenure as Vice President of the ETUC, a flame that we continue to carry forward today.
He also championed the importance of social dialogue as a cornerstone of fair and democratic societies, ensuring that workers have a seat at the table in shaping the policies that affected their lives.
On the occasion of his memorial service, the ETUC extends our deepest sympathies to his family and joins German trade unionists in remembering this giant of our movement.
ETUC General Secretary Esther Lynch said:
“Michael Sommer was a tireless defender of workers’ rights, a principled trade unionist, and a deeply respected voice within the broad European labour movement.
“His contributions laid the groundwork for many of the protections and rights that workers benefit from today.
“Beyond his policy achievements, he will be remembered for his warmth, his integrity, and his unwavering belief in the power of solidarity.”
