Daycare centers in Güstrow will go to the barricades on October 15th!

Daycare centers in Güstrow will go to the barricades on October 15th!

Next week it will be colorful on the streets of Schwerin! On October 15th, the employees of the German Red Cross (DRK) daycare centers in Güstrow set out with a clear goal: They are protesting against the state government's current austerity measures in the social sector. The campaign is called “MV: Stay social!” and promises to set an impressive example for the social future in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.

From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. there will be a demonstration in the Old Garden, where many representatives of social institutions are expected. This will not only be a day of protest, but also a cry for help that will resonate in many hearts of the population. The DRK-Kitas Güstrow, which operates a total of nine daycare centers and two after-school care centers, must expect restrictions on this day. Parents have already been informed that the daily routine in the facilities could change, which was accompanied by Jana Jörs, the area manager for daycare centers, with thanks for their understanding. The “Südlichter” and “Bierenhaus” daycare centers are among the largest facilities that are particularly hard hit by the current situation.

Alarming developments in the social sector

But what exactly is behind this protest? The LIGA of the leading associations of independent welfare in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is sounding the alarm and warning of dramatic budget cuts that will not only affect child day care, but also support services for people with disabilities. In this context, Dieter Eichler, state manager of the Paritätisches, expresses considerable concerns about the planned changes to the budget accompanying law, which hang like a shadow over the future of daycare centers. There is even talk of an impending “daycare death” if financial resources are further reduced.

Those responsible for social institutions are faced with the challenge of potentially having to cover rising costs themselves, such as rent, energy and cleaning. These uncertainties are fueling concerns and fears about the quality and scope of social offerings - a development that not only affects children and people with disabilities, but also society as a whole.

Organizations involved and their voices

In addition to the DRK, other organizations such as Volkssolidarität and Diakonie in Güstrow also supported their call to take part in the protest. It is a common voice that should not be ignored in the political landscape. The LIGA, which has over 61,000 full-time and more than 10,000 volunteer employees, is calling for a rethink by the state government and criticizing the categorization of people with disabilities as a violation of the Federal Participation Act. Henrike Regenstein, board member of the Diakonisches Werk, emphasizes that the planned changes could jeopardize individual support for these people.

If you look at developments in other cities, it becomes clear that the concerns are not limited to regions. Resistance to similar cuts in the social sector is also emerging in Berlin. On the same Thursday as the demonstration in Schwerin, the Berlin Social Alliance is planning a large rally in front of the House of Representatives to draw attention to the endangered social infrastructure. It is clear that the issue is important across the country and the needs of social institutions deserve a sign of solidarity.

The upcoming demonstration in Schwerin on October 15th, which is organized by the leading associations of the League of Free Welfare, is not only a local call, but also arouses supra-regional resonance. The goal remains clear: to send a strong signal for a secure social future in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania before it is too late.

For more information on the protest and related developments, you can read the reports from Northern Courier or that Life support MV read up. In addition, there is also the Daily Mirror interesting insights into the nationwide protest movements.