Whose name do you think is more frequently found on German streets than almost any other? It is very likely Hans Böckler. Right here in Düsseldorf, we stand before the Hans-Böckler-Stiftung. It is more than just a building. It is a symbol of social partnership and progress.
The Hans-Böckler-Stiftung is the co-determination, research and study promotion organization of the German Trade Union Confederation DGB. It was founded in 1977. This happened through the merger of the Hans Böckler Society and the Mitbestimmung Foundation. The foundation is committed to co-determination. It sees it as a key principle for a democratic society. It promotes this idea. It supports those in co-determination roles. The Hans-Böckler-Stiftung advocates for expanded co-determination rights.
The foundation’s namesake, Hans Böckler, was a significant figure in German history. Born in 1875, he rose from humble beginnings to become the first chairman of the DGB. Böckler’s early life was marked by hardship. At thirteen, he had to drop out of school to support his family. He became a metalworker and joined the SPD and the German Metalworkers’ Association in 1894.
His career was interrupted by World War I. During the war, he was seriously wounded on the Eastern Front. Later, he dedicated himself to trade union work. After the war, Böckler became a key figure in the reconstruction of the trade unions. From 1924 to 1926, he was a city councilor for the SPD in Cologne. In 1928, he was elected to the Reichstag. He remained a member until 1933.
During the Nazi era, Böckler faced persecution. He had contacts with the resistance circle around Wilhelm Leuschner. After the failed assassination attempt on Hitler in 1944, Böckler had to go into hiding. Despite the risks, he remained committed to his ideals.
After the war, Hans Böckler played a crucial role in rebuilding the trade union movement. He initiated the first large-scale housing project in West Germany. This was the ERP special program for the construction of 10,000 refugee apartments. It was supported by Marshall Plan funds. In 1949, he became the first chairman of the German Trade Union Confederation.
Hans Böckler died in 1951. Before his death, he reached an agreement with Chancellor Konrad Adenauer on co-determination in the coal and steel industries. His legacy lives on through the Hans-Böckler-Stiftung.
Today, the Hans-Böckler-Stiftung promotes the studies of gifted employees and employees’ children. It also supports research and the exchange of experiences. The foundation includes two research institutes. These are the Institute for Economic and Social Research WSI and the Institute for Macroeconomics and Business Cycle Research IMK.
Standing here, you can almost feel the weight of history. The Hans-Böckler-Stiftung embodies the spirit of its namesake. It stands for social justice, co-determination, and the power of collective action. Its work continues to shape the landscape of German society. The headquarters of the Hans-Böckler-Stiftung are located on Georg-Glock-Straße 18 in Düsseldorf. Feel free to visit their website to learn more about their current projects and initiatives.