The uprising of 1953 was initiated by East Berlin construction workers on 17 June, after they found out their pay would be cut if they didn't meet their quota. The protests turned into a widespread uprising, and lasted two days. It was violently suppressed by Soviet troops and Volkspolizei. However, even after Soviet intervention the demonstrations around the country were still ongoing. Until reunification 17 June was the national holiday of West Germany.
Andrzej Włusek: June 1953 - workers' strike in East-Germany