SMWA: Saxony Skilled Workers Alliance with new leadership

State Secretary Scheel “Securing skilled workers needs a strong social partnership”

The Saxony Skilled Workers Alliance elected a new head at its meeting today (March 18). Following personnel changes at the Saxon State Ministry for Economic Affairs, Labor, Energy and Climate Protection (SMWA) and the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB), State Secretary Sebastian Scheel is taking over as Chair of the Alliance. The new deputy chairperson is Daniela Kolbe, district chairperson of the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB). Matthias Matz, Managing Director of the Saxon Business Association (VSW), will remain in office as a further deputy. The patron remains Minister of Economics and Labor Dirk Panter.

State Secretary Scheel: “Skilled workers are the basis for economic growth and crucial to securing our prosperity. If business, social partners, politics and administration work closely together, we can provide the right answers to demographic developments and economic challenges. Especially in times of growing uncertainty and crises, we need a strong social partnership. The Skilled Workers Alliance brings together all key partners to develop and implement solutions.”

DGB District Chairwoman Daniela Kolbe: “Saxony’s future stands and falls with well-trained skilled workers in all areas. Whether in industry, healthcare and nursing, education, transport or the service sectors – without well-qualified and committed skilled workers, things look bleak. I am delighted to be a member of the board of the Skilled Workers Alliance. My aim is to make Saxony fit for the future for the employees of today and the employees of tomorrow. This includes good and secure jobs, high-quality education and training and a high level of social security.”

Demography and transformation as key challenges

The consequences of demographic change are becoming increasingly noticeable: according to the 8th regionalized population projection by the State Statistical Office, the number of people of working age in Saxony will fall by an average of around 15,000 per year over the next ten years (medium variant).

At the same time, technological developments, geopolitical upheavals and changes in global trade are profoundly changing the world of work. While the overall demand for labor is fluctuating, many industries remain in search of urgently needed skilled workers.

In view of these challenges, the Saxony Skilled Workers Alliance is working on the further development of the state’s skilled worker strategy. Together with stakeholders from business, labor market policy and administration, current fields of action are being identified and recommendations for securing skilled workers are being developed.

Background

The Skilled Workers Alliance Saxony has existed since 2015 as an association of economic and social partners as well as politics and administration. It played a key role in the Saxony 2030 skilled labor strategy and supports numerous measures to secure and develop the skilled labor base.

Since its realignment in September 2025, the alliance has been supported by a broad network of Saxon partners. In addition to state ministries, chambers, associations, trade unions, municipal representatives and the LIGA der freien Wohlfahrtspflege are also involved.

Together, they are pooling their expertise and experience in order to further develop the skilled workforce in Saxony in a targeted manner.

This translation was generated automatically. 

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