New figures released by the German Pension Insurance (Deutsche Rentenversicherung) reveal that over 1.4 million pensioners in Germany are currently employed, with nearly 375,000 holding positions exceeding those typically considered part-time. The data, obtained by Left party budget policy spokesperson Dietmar Bartsch and reported by the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland, provides a snapshot as of December 2023 and more recent data is unavailable.
Bartsch stated that these figures represent a “clear warning signal” suggesting that the statutory pension system is proving insufficient for many retirees. He emphasized that for Europe’s largest economy, the fact that Germany’s pension replacement rate sits ten percentage points below the EU average is concerning. He pointed to countries like Austria, the Netherlands and Denmark, which maintain replacement rates above 80 percent, in contrast to Germany’s rate of below 50 percent. This disparity, Bartsch argues, is a primary driver for the increasing number of older individuals remaining in the workforce out of necessity.
While acknowledging that some pensioners continue working willingly to remain active and benefit from the experience that older workers offer to businesses, Bartsch cautioned against overlooking the underlying issue. He criticized the current government’s approach, arguing that it merely freezes the already low pension level without seeking significant improvements, thereby disregarding the lived reality for millions.
Bartsch is advocating for a comprehensive pension reform modelled on the Austrian system – an employee insurance scheme where contributions are made by all, including politicians, civil servants and the self-employed. He expressed disappointment regarding the perceived silence of Labour Minister Bärbel Bas on this crucial subject.