trade unionist
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trade unionist
A member or official of a trade union, that is, an organization that represents employees' interests in relation to employers.
Die Gewerkschafter forderten in den Verhandlungen eine Lohnerhöhung von fünf Prozent.
The trade unionists demanded a five percent wage increase in the negotiations.
The word is made up of 'Gewerkschaft' (trade union) and the ending '-er'. In German, the ending '-er' is often used to refer to a male person who belongs to a group or performs a certain activity.
Als überzeugter Gewerkschafter setzt er sich für die Rechte seiner Kollegen ein.
As a committed trade unionist, he stands up for the rights of his colleagues.
The word belongs to the word family around 'die Gewerkschaft' (the trade union). A trade union is an organization of employees. So a 'Gewerkschafter' (trade unionist) is a person who is active in this organization.
Die Gewerkschaft hat zu einem landesweiten Streik aufgerufen.
The trade union has called for a nationwide strike.
Trade unionists are often involved in actions described with verbs such as 'fordern' (to demand), 'verhandeln' (to negotiate), 'protestieren' (to protest), or 'einen Streik organisieren' (to organize a strike). These words often appear in the same sentence.
Die Gewerkschafter verhandeln mit der Unternehmensleitung über bessere Arbeitsbedingungen.
The trade unionists are negotiating with company management about better working conditions.
works council
A Betriebsrat is active as a member of the elected representation within a particular company. A Gewerkschafter belongs to a trade union or works for one. Both can represent employees' interests, but their roles and affiliations are different.
Als Gewerkschafter vertritt Paul die Mitglieder seiner Gewerkschaft gegenüber den Arbeitgebern.
As a trade unionist, Paul represents the members of his union in dealings with employers.
Als gewählter Betriebsrat vertritt Paul die Beschäftigten seines Unternehmens gegenüber der Leitung.
As an elected works council member, Paul represents the employees of his company in dealings with management.
