The head of Germany’s largest union severely criticized Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) regarding his statements about the pension system. Speaking to the “Süddeutsche Zeitung” on Thursday, IG Metall leader Christiane Benner stated, “The Chancellor said this week that the statutory pension can only be a basic safeguard. That is irresponsible. We will not accept any cuts to the statutory pension”.
Benner highlighted that millions of workers depend on the pension, emphasizing that while the unions are open to structural reforms, they oppose measures that would make employees poorer.
She announced that demonstrations would take place if the federal government proposes certain measures. “There are non-negotiables, and we would respond to them with protests” she said. Giving two examples, she added, “If the government cuts the statutory pension, the house is burning. If there are paid leave days for sickness absence, the streets will be full”. The possibility of such a paid leave day, during which sick employees would no longer receive wages, is a topic of ongoing debate.
On a more positive note, Benner welcomed the federal government’s decision to lower the mineral oil tax following the outbreak of the Iran war to reduce gasoline prices. Regarding the proposal that employers could pay employees a tax-free bonus of 1,000 euros, Benner agreed that providing relief is correct. “A similar bonus happened in 2022, but the federal government coordinated that proposal with the unions and employers. We would have wished for that coordination this time too. The federal government is telling the employers: ‘Please pay this.'”
However, she expressed fear that employees might be disappointed if the bonus payment is not prompt. “What we need primarily are permanent salary increases” Benner demanded. Looking ahead to the collective bargaining round for four million employees in the metal and electrical industry this autumn, she concluded, “Naturally, we are prepared for strikes; we have a well-stocked strike fund”.