Prominent leader Michael Sommer of the DGB has passed away.
Michael Sommer (1952-2025), a prominent figure in the German and global trade union movement, passed away on June 30, 2025, at the age of 73. Throughout his remarkable career, Sommer demonstrated a steadfast commitment to the principles of trade union unity and social dialogue, both within Germany and internationally.
Born on January 17, 1952, in Büdrich near Düsseldorf, Sommer grew up partly in an orphanage. His journey began in earnest in 1971 when he joined the German Postal Union (DPG) at the age of 19. This marked the beginning of a lifelong dedication to the trade union cause.
Sommer rose to national prominence in Germany, becoming a full-time trade unionist in the postal union, which later merged into the Verdi trade union. His tenure as the chairman of the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) from 2002 to 2014 was marked by his unwavering advocacy against the Hartz reforms and the expansion of precarious employment.
During his time as DGB chairman, Sommer also served as president of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) from 2010 to 2014. With 168 million members worldwide, he championed global trade union integration and cooperation on social dialogue, labour rights, and justice.
As the president of the ITUC, Sommer played a pivotal role in strengthening international labour solidarity and advocating for workers' rights on a global scale. His leadership contributed to shaping international discourse on labour rights and social dialogue processes, enhancing the role of unions in policymaking and social negotiations.
Sommer's advocacy of global trade union unity emphasized cooperation among unions worldwide to improve labour standards and social justice. His efforts helped secure better recognition of workers' rights and influenced social policy at both national and international levels.
The DGB stated that Sommer significantly shaped the German trade union movement and tirelessly advocated for solidarity and justice. His legacy continues to inspire trade union leaders and policymakers aiming to balance labour interests and economic development.
President of the Bundestag Julia Klöckner described Sommer as standing up like no other for the concerns of working women and men and for a strong voice of the social partners. Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier described Sommer as always clear in his stance and steadfast in his commitment to a just and solidarity-based society.
In 2002, Sommer succeeded Dieter Schulte as DGB chairman. Upon his departure in 2014, Sommer stated, "The German trade union movement has been strengthened again. Our solidarity has withstood many storms." His greatest achievement was the introduction of the general statutory minimum wage, which was introduced on January 1, 2015.
Sommer's motto was: "Not the ashes, but the fire must you pass on." His life's work encapsulated sustained dedication to enhancing workers' rights through unity and dialogue, significantly impacting both the German trade union movement and the global labour landscape.
In memory of Michael Sommer, a pillar of global trade unionism, we remember his tireless advocacy for workers' rights, his commitment to social justice, and his legacy of unity and dialogue that continues to inspire the trade union movement today.
- Michael Sommer, during his career-development phase, showcased personal-growth and mindfulness as he rose from being a postal union member to the chair of the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB).
- Sommer's education-and-self-development journey led him to fight against war-and-conflicts-induced migration and employment precariousness throughout his tenure.
- As a champion of global trade union integration, Sommer promoted skills-training and productivity in various industries to strengthen workers' bargaining power and achieve goal-setting objectives.
- The policies and legislation he advocated for aimed to address general-news issues such as crime-and-justice, car-accidents, and fires that often affected workers in their line of duty.
- Through policymaking and social negotiations, Sommer ensured workers' voices were heard in the realms of politics, job-search, and sports-betting, areas that significantly impacted their livelihoods.
- Believing in the power of sports to foster unity, Sommer supported various sports initiatives as a means to promote social dialogue and workers' rights awareness.
- In his dedicated service, Sommer displayed a steadfast commitment to empowering workers to unlock their potential and pursue personal-growth in their careers.
- His legacy extends beyond the borders of Germany, as his influence helped shape the discourse on policy-and-legislation at the international level to protect workers' rights and ensure social justice worldwide.
- While Sommer's efforts provided a strong voice for workers, there remains a pressing need for ongoing advocacy to address current and future challenges in the realm of accidents and labor rights.
- Michael Sommer's life and work serve as an enduring reminder that unity, dialogue, and a relentless pursuit of justice are instrumental in fostering a world that is fair, equitable, and conducive to personal-growth and productivity for all workers.
