After the labor force numbers rose in December in Germany, the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) is demanding reforms from the government to preserve jobs.
“Whoever wants to secure prosperity and employment must set the right course. At the latest, the next federal government must get a grip on the network charges and lower the electricity tax” said DGB board member Stefan Körzell to the Funke Media Group’s weekend editions. Körzell added that cheaper, renewable energy is essential to promote prosperity and employment while also protecting the climate.
According to the latest figures from the Federal Agency for Work, the unemployment rate rose to 6.0% in December, with 2.807 million people currently unemployed. This represents an increase of 170,000 compared to December 2023 and 33,000 compared to November 2024.
The DGB board attributes the lower increase in comparison to the previous month to the extension of short-time work benefits. This, they say, is “undeniably the right decision.” “In uncertain economic times, it provides companies and skilled workers with the necessary security. This way, companies can hold onto their workforce and staff and return stronger after the crisis” he said further.
Körzell is also calling for an end to the austerity policy and a reform of the debt brake, which would also improve the framework conditions for the economy. “At least 600 billion euros are needed in the next ten years to invest in modern infrastructure, affordable housing, schools, public administration, and digitalization” he explained.