May 1st

May 1st, Labour Day. I joined the demonstration of the various unions in Berlin. Speeches, beer and sausages were had outside the Rote Rathaus, the Berlin Senate. 473 000 people joined a union last year in Germany. 43% of workers in Berlin are paid according to a sector-wide pay deal. Many people employed by the Berlin State are not paid according to the negotiated pay deal. The police must have been roasting in their riot gear. I enjoyed my beer and sausage in the sunshine. 

More pictures on flickr.

PS: translation of the placard let them apply for housing benefit