Oliver Zander, the chief executive of Gesamtmetall, warns that this year the metal and electrical industry will face a severe reduction in jobs. Since 2018 the sector has already lost 270,000 positions, and Zander estimates that the country could lose as many as 150,000 more this year.
He is calling for sweeping reforms and cost‑cutting measures to make Germany’s industrial base competitive again. “We have too high energy costs, corporate taxes, social contributions, and bureaucracy in Germany” he said.
Zander praised the federal government’s plan to cut eight percent of jobs in the ministries, calling it a positive step. He criticized the 63‑year‑old retirement scheme, labeling it a “mistake” and suggested that an older retirement age might be necessary as the population ages.
He also supports longer work weeks, arguing that every hour of work that is necessary and carried out individually is valuable, especially in light of demographic changes.