The Labor Wing of the Union insists that tax- and contribution-free mini-jobs should remain available even to employees subject to social security contributions, contradicting the proposals put forth by the Pension Commission. CDA boss Dennis Radtke told the “Rheinische Post” that the CDA does not want to abolish mini-jobs entirely. He stressed that people-whether they are students, pupils, pensioners, or working alongside a socially insured job-should continue to be able to earn extra income without complication.
However, Radtke also cautioned that permanent reliance on mini-jobs must not lead to dead ends. While the existing tax benefits could remain, he argued that employment must once again be more firmly integrated into the solidary logic of the welfare state regarding labor and social law.
On the topic of pensions, he praised the recommendations of the Commission for pension reform, stating that the commission had presented a reasonable overall concept. Radtke argued that what is needed now is not excessive nitpicking, but the political will to make the overall retirement provision future-proof. This must include a stronger component of capital coverage. He asserted that this is not a break from the statutory pension system, but rather an overdue additional pillar designed to broaden and make intergenerational retirement planning fairer.
