Friendly society

Workers' associations were emerged from the labor movement of the 19th century mergers of a political nature. Historically, the goal of the majority of workers' associations was a noticeable improvement in the social situation of the workers and better working conditions. Today, workers' associations are primarily cultural and sporting purposes, as well as the social gathering of the workers.

History

→ Main article History of the German workers' associations

In view of deteriorating working conditions in the early 19th century was stirring among the working class discontent with the existing conditions and at the same time led to the desire for change. Due to repressive laws in Germany it was the workers initially not possible to join together here to interest communities. Therefore, the first foundations were recorded by German workers' associations in other European countries. So joined in 1832 German craftsmen who were out due to their traditional journeyman walk more often abroad, in Paris with the German People's Union together. Only with the revolutionary upheavals of the years were public workers' associations in Germany. Here they were partly a radically to change, but were at first overshadowed by the failure of the revolution again. Nevertheless, many workers remained clubs after 1849 in Germany active and organized themselves into unions like collective movements; some of these are considered as direct precursor of today's SPD.

There were especially since the time of the Empire also denominational workers' associations ( Catholic Workers' Association, Protestant workers' associations ) that demarcated from the Social Democrats.

Current Situation

Workers' associations are now used primarily to cultural, sporting or social gathering, eg in gymnastics, hiking or religious associations. In addition, there are combinations of individual interest groups, for example those with a migration background.