Resolution of the Medium and Small Business Union within the Christian Democratic/Christian Social Parties (Mittelstandsvereinigung der CDU/CSU)
"Compulsory strike ballot under government supervision"

The demand of the CDU/CSU Medium and Small Business Union for an introduction of a compulsory strike ballot before the beginning of a strike is rejected by Dr. Dieter Hundt, president of the Federal Union of German Employers: "The decision of the CDU/CSU organisation for the introduction of a compulsory strike ballot before the implementation of strike measures looks promising at first glance. On closer examination it proves to be counter-productive, however. The result is more collective compulsion and fewer labour-law options for employers and employees." Michael Sommer, chairperson of the German Federation of Labour Unions, opposes the suggestion since it "completely ignores the function of freedom of association, autonomy in bargaining, collective agreements and their negotiations." On the other hand, Dr. Manfred C Hettlage argues in favour of the resolution.