Frank Werneke, the chairman of the Verdi union, stated that the proposed reduction in the energy tax is insufficient given current fuel price levels. Speaking to Politico, Werneke emphasized that a minor tax cut at the gas pump, limited to two months, would not be enough. Instead, he argued that a more significant measure would be to cap the profit margins of oil companies, citing examples from Belgium or Luxembourg, though he suggested that the CDU/CSU and SPD parties were unwilling to implement such a measure. Furthermore, Werneke is advocating for an increase in the commuter allowance by 17 cents, bringing the total to 50 cents per kilometer. He proposed that this increase be credited against income tax and paid out annually. According to his projections, a commuter earning an annual gross salary of €40,000 with a daily commute of 33 kilometers would receive an annual relief of nearly €450, while a lower-income earner would benefit from over €1,200. Additionally, the Verdi chairman announced that in future collective bargaining negotiations, the union would demand an inflation compensation. Werneke pointed out that since inflation is expected to continue affecting goods and services-from fuel to transport costs and food prices-any significant rise in inflation would be a key demand in upcoming bargaining rounds.
Economy / Finance
