Christiane Benner, the First Chairwoman of IG Metall, emphasized the importance of continued dialogue among politicians, trade unions, and employers following the social partner meeting held in the Chancellor’s office. In contrast, Wolfgang Steiger, General Secretary of the CDU Economic Council, evaluated the outcome of the meeting critically.
“Yesterday’s social partner dialogue shows that we must remain in conversation, even if it is challenging at the same time,” Benner told Funke Media Group newspapers. She expressed satisfaction that an agreement was reached for further talks and prompt follow-up. However, she simultaneously announced that future consultations would not be without conflict. The unions aim to integrate the reality of businesses and their employees into political decision-making. While reforms are necessary, they must be structured in a “just and well-thought-out” manner. “We know change is needed, and we are solution-oriented. But it must be fair and well-considered. There is no other way.”
Meanwhile, Steiger urged the federal government to make swift decisions within the Coalition Committee. He told Funke Media Group newspapers that the resulting paper merely described self-evident realities. He added that the government now needs to deliver results at the Coalition Committee meeting on July 1st. At the same time, he expressed skepticism about the role of the trade unions in the ongoing process, questioning whether the union representatives’ current promise to “constructively accompany the reform process” will be more than an empty declaration.
