The industry association BDI has dismissed fundamental criticism of the federal government’s reform package. According to BDI Managing Director Tanja Gönner, the measures demonstrate that the governing coalition is functional and possesses a will to reform. However, she warned against minimizing the achievement by calling it a mere minimal consensus.
Despite this, the Federal Association of German Industry (BDI) stated that it is not completely satisfied with the outcome. Gönner emphasized that the planned reforms are insufficient to provide a noticeable boost to growth and investment. For instance, the industry believes the government could have implemented a tax reform offering larger relief for companies, noting that the complete abolition of the solidarity surcharge would have generated further impetus, a measure that is no longer available for corporate investments.
BDI Managing Director Gönner welcomed the planned implementation of sick leave from the first day of illness. She stated that a collective effort is necessary in Germany, one which also means looking at the issue of overtime differently. Given that Germany performs poorly in the international average for sick days, she stressed that action is required. She added that the specific details of this implementation can be regulated through collective bargaining agreements and works council agreements, which she considers helpful overall.
Gönner clarified that the debate is not about portraying workers as lazy, but rather about rolling up sleeves and moving forward. She pointed out that entrepreneurs rely on reliable employees to assume risks and invest, highlighting that achieving this through good mutual cooperation is essential.
