Here. Accepted. - rationell reinigen Gebäudedienste

»Without diversity there would be many facets missing to our trade. And business wouldn’t be as good, either.«Peter Hartmann | Editor-in-Chief | peter.hartmann@holzmann-medien.deIt was on January 21st, 2015, that the German Federal Guild Association and rationell reinigen met in Munich to discuss the upcoming ‘Future Forum: Facility Services 2016’ to be held in Dresden. At that very moment, Dresden was the scene of untoward developments as the nascent Pegida movement began to mobilize more and more people against ‘islamization’ and Germany’s – and Europe’s for that matter – ‘failed immigration and asylum policy’ with highly suspect arguments at weekly demonstrations. The atmosphere at these meets was becoming increasingly aggressive, with foreigners treated as scum and journalists as traitors to the nation. Pegida’s unfortunate actions and the explosive mood in Dresden raised tangible concerns as to the planned ‘Future Forum’. At the same time, there was also incredulous stupefaction at the ideas demonstrators were brandishing on their banners. And so it came to be that on this day two strong partners, the Federal Guild Association and rationell reinigen agreed that it was time to take a stand. As the newly elected Federal Guild Master, Thomas Dietrich, recently said in Berlin: “People from the most diverse national and cultural backgrounds, interacting every day and everywhere, are the engine that keeps the contract cleaning business running. That is why it is not just an obligation, but also the most natural thing in the world to oppose the deplorable actions and language of Pegida.“ That is the spirit behind our “Angekommen.Angenommen.” campaign (“Here. Accepted.“ campaign). It is a clear commitment on the part of the Federal Guild Association and rationell reinigen (and therefore of the entire trade) to respect and tolerance – and a resounding ‘No’ to any form of xenophobia and exclusion. The advertisements began appearing in rationell reinigen in June. They show just how well diverse nationalities, cultures, religions and skin colors have been coming together in our trade. Naturally, without ifs, ands or buts, and for decades. Because being open and welcoming has a long tradition in our business. The contract cleaning trade is in fact doing valuable and successful integration work, and foreign talent is an essential success factor for countless enterprises. Despite the diatribes of stiff-necked Pegida propagandists. That is a good thing, and the trade as a whole has every right to stand proud. By the way: the response to the campaign is overwhelming; adverts are being made into posters and used by countless businesses in their own diversity campaigns to drive home the principles of respect and tolerance. A signal that might well reach beyond borders! Yours truly, Peter Hartmann