The Green Party is advocating for government subsidies in the form of vouchers to support household services, encompassing cleaning, cooking, care for family members and childcare. This initiative, detailed in a position paper by Green Party co-leader Franziska Brantner ahead of the party’s federal women’s conference, aims to make these services more accessible and affordable.
The proposal seeks to address what party officials describe as the undervaluation and precarious working conditions often faced by individuals, primarily women and those with migrant backgrounds, who provide these vital services within private households. Brantner’s paper emphasizes the urgent need to acknowledge the societal value of this labor and establish fairer employment standards.
Drawing inspiration from a proposal by the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB), the suggested voucher system mirrors a model successfully implemented in Belgium. Households would receive government-subsidized vouchers redeemable only through certified agencies, promoting professionalism and ensuring quality control.
Proponents argue that this system would generate increased tax revenue and social security contributions by curbing undeclared work. Simultaneously, it is predicted to alleviate pressure on care facilities, enabling individuals to remain in their homes for longer periods and potentially facilitating greater workforce participation for those currently balancing caregiving responsibilities.
The initiative also aims to assist families, particularly single-parent households, in navigating the demands of work and daily life. Furthermore, the proposed system is intended to substantially improve the conditions for those providing household services, transforming precarious employment into recognized professions with access to fair wages, professional development opportunities and long-term career prospects.
