Philipp Türmer, the chairman of Juso, has fiercely criticized the reform decisions made by the black-red coalition regarding tax and labor market policies. While Türmer welcomed the introduction of a “super rich tax,” he stated to the “Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland” that the proposed relief measures for individuals with small and medium incomes remain unambitious. This, he argued, is fatal because it fails to sufficiently promote consumption, which is crucial for economic growth.
Türmer found the labor market decisions particularly problematic. He told the RND that expanding the scope of unjustified contract extensions would not lead to a single percentage point of growth but would instead introduce significant uncertainty for employees-a situation that “hurts badly.” He argued that what is being sold as labor market flexibility is, in reality, a curtailment of employees’ rights. Furthermore, he pointed out that workers would be burdened with additional bureaucracy, while bureaucratic reduction seems to only benefit companies.
He also opposed the planned overhaul of sick leave regulations. According to Türmer, employees would effectively be placed under public suspicion, with their “alleged laziness” being identified as responsible for the sluggishness of growth. However, he countered that it is companies and the government that have been systematically undermining the economy over the years.
The coalition has decided to abolish the option of reporting sick leave via telephone. Moreover, a medical certificate certifying incapacity to work will now be required on the very first day of illness, unless the employer has an alternative arrangement in place.
