Merck Gruppe hat dies direkt geteilt
On May 1, we honor a powerful legacy: the fight for fair working conditions. In 1886, workers in Chicago demanded something revolutionary—an eight-hour workday. This laid the foundation for what many countries now celebrate as Labor Day. At Merck Group, the belief that work should empower life, not overpower it has deep roots. As early as the 1850s, we offered support in cases of illness and disability. By 1853, social benefits — such as continued full salary during illness under certain conditions — were included in employment contracts. More than 140 years ago, we founded our own company health insurance fund. Today, that spirit of care lives on. We now offer 100% global coverage to every employee who wants to access our fertility and caregiving programs—just one of many ways we continue to support our people. On this International Labor Day, I want to say thank you to our more than 62,000 colleagues around the world. After 357 years, Merck remains committed to advancing labor rights—through action, not just words. At Merck, we walk the talk.