The leaders of the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) criticize the reform proposals put forward by the Union and SPD. According to the magazine Politico, these concerns stem from a draft proposal intended for the DGB Federal Congress beginning that Sunday in Berlin. The proposal argues that instead of finding solutions and offering a realistic outlook for the country and its citizens, the federal government is engaging in division and endless disputes. The DGB suggests that the government frequently passes up opportunities to prepare decisions with broad consensus and support from social partners.
They point to issues like the €1,000 premium or fuel discounts as examples of policies that lack unanimous support and whose effectiveness remains highly debated. According to the draft, the combination of already implemented and proposed measures creates a “massive imbalance”. However, the proposal also critiques the focus, asserting that while decisions are undeniably necessary, the burden is currently borne unilaterally by employees, while many in the business sector are avoiding responsibility.
Regarding the reform of statutory health insurance, the DGB warns of a “significant social imbalance due to the one-sided additional burden on insured persons”. Specific examples of concern cited are increased co-payments, service reductions, and limitations on family coverage. Furthermore, the Confederation warns that partial sick leave regulations will significantly increase the pressure on workers to come to work even when they are unwell.
The DGB is also concerned about cuts to the statutory pension system, stating in the proposal that the government’s pension commission must not become a commission focused on reductions. Instead, the DGB stresses the need to stabilize and strengthen the statutory pension through a stable and prospectively higher pension level, resisting any further raising of the standard retirement age, and avoiding additional financial pressure by shifting provisions to private pension plans.
In addition to these points, the DGB leadership warns against the end of the eight-hour workday, the elimination of statutory holidays, and any curtailment of job protection laws or the right to part-time employment.
