Freier Deutscher Gewerkschaftsbund, FDGB
United trade union of the GDR, defined itself in accordance with the preamble of its statues as the "Class organisation of the governing working class in the GDR ". It was represented in the National Front as a mass organisation (1986: 9.6 million members), participated in the elections and sent its own members to the People's Chamber, as well as to the "local citizens representations".
It had the constitutional right to bring in legislative initiatives on all levels.
The conformation with the respective leading bodies of the SED was guaranteed on all levels as the majority of the officials of the FDGB were also members of the SED; in addition the Chairmen of the leadership of the FDGB were always also selected members of the respective SED leadership committee.
The long-term Chairman of the executive committee of the FDGB, Harry Tisch had to resign after media reports on misuse of office and corruption within the leadership committee of the FDGB.
The FDGB congress on 14th September 1990 decided the dissolution of the FDGB.
