The article is dedicated to the economic and social transformation in East Germany after 1990. Topics are the consequences of monetary union in Germany, the activities of the “Treuhandanstalt” (trust agency) and the problem of mass unemployment as a result of economic transformation. What alternative concepts did the trade unions develop in view of the prevailing neoliberal strategy of rapid privatization of the formerly “volkseigene” industry? What role did democratic co-determination play? What conclusion can be drawn? The privatization practiced from 1990/91 was not without alternatives. The massive job losses in the course of de-industrialization could have been avoided with a more careful and long-term renovation.
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