The leading candidate for the North Rhine-Westphalian SPD in the 2027 state elections, Jochen Ott, is advocating for the continued use of block model part-time work in the ongoing pension reform debate. Speaking to Spiegel, Ott emphasized that employees, particularly in sectors that have recently seen job cuts-such as the automotive or steel industries-need security and reliable prospects. He argued that proven instruments like the block model should maintain clear transitional regulations to ensure a stable and socially acceptable transition into retirement.
The block model currently involves employees working reduced hours for a period while receiving lower pay, followed by a period of paid leave while still receiving reduced benefits. Despite this, the federal government’s pension age commission has recommended phasing out this type of partial retirement.
Furthermore, Ott called for provisions that allow long-term, dedicated employees to retire early without penalties. He maintained that the ability to retire penalty-free is not a privilege but a recognition of a lifetime of work. For workers in demanding fields, including steel, construction, skilled trades, or caregiving, it is often unrealistic to simply push themselves for a few more years. Therefore, he stressed the necessity of reliable rules for lengthy career paths and clear hardship clauses. Ott summarized the message from his base clearly: “Working longer-yes. Being forced to work longer-no.”
