1 May in Freiburg - big care block: Space for care now!

1 May was rainy, as has been the norm in Freiburg for a few years now. And the DGB's traditional May Day festival was cancelled anyway due to coronavirus. Under these circumstances, the approximately 1,000 demonstrators were no small number. Of these, around 100 people formed the square for Sorge-Block. The Feminist&Women*Strike (also particularly audible), Care Revolution, Die Linke, the Freiburg Birth Centre, Courage and the Solidarity Healthcare Network were among those who were clearly visible with posters and banners. So that the groups could each express what was close to their hearts and stomachs and we could still appear as a block, we agreed to add the Platz für Sorge logo to our own slogans in addition to a front banner. The fact that the DGB takes Platz für Sorge seriously is also shown by the fact that we were able to give a speech at the intermediate rally of the demonstration. Here is an excerpt: "Whether paid or unpaid, all too often the workload is too high, the income is not secure and there is not enough time to really do justice to those for whom care workers are responsible. Instead of relief, there are slogans, applause or verbal caresses, but otherwise the message is: You bear responsibility, please carry it on, even under shitty conditions. Yes, care workers bear responsibility. Because the work in families and institutions is so significant and responsible, because it is so important for those who need support, care work needs good conditions. And care work, whether paid or unpaid, is like work in factories, banks or railway lines. We don't get anything for free. We have to fight for what we need: Time, money and support. It's not enough to be useful and kind." Another nice detail in passing: in Freiburg, an ecumenical church service is part of 1 May. The sermon was preached by a member of the employee counselling service; the subsequent collection was then collected for Platz für Sorge. The money will be used for upcoming campaigns.