Dirk Wiese, the SPD parliamentary manager, has demanded a specific hardship clause based on the Austrian model, alongside a sufficient transition period, during the ongoing debate regarding the “Retirement at 63” reform.
According to Wiese in an interview with the “Rheinische Post”, the parliamentary process in the autumn will intensely focus on two issues: establishing a clear hardship rule for retirement after 64.5 years-modeled after the Austrian heavy labor pension-and ensuring adequate protection to allow for smooth transitions.
The SPD politician also voiced support for Minister Bärbel Bas, stating that she is correct to demand a pragmatic solution regarding work disability certificates starting from the first day of sickness, and that she should continue to allow variations based on collective bargaining agreements.
The Austrian heavy labor pension, specifically, permits early retirement starting at the age of 60 for individuals who have borne high physical and psychological burdens over many years. Meanwhile, Bas previously advocated for a five-year transition period concerning the planned abolition of pensions for especially long-term insured individuals, and she does not consider the obligation to certify sick leave starting from day one to be sensible.
