Frank Werneke, the chairman of the union Verdi, stated that the planned reduction of the energy tax is insufficient. Speaking to Politico, Werneke emphasized that if fuel prices remain as high as they currently are, a solution is needed that goes beyond a minor tax cut at the gas pump lasting just two months. Instead, he advocated for capping the profit margins of oil conglomerates, suggesting that this measure, which has been implemented in countries like Belgium or Luxembourg, is something that the CDU/CSU and SPD are currently unwilling to attempt.
Furthermore, Werneke is calling for the commuter allowance to be increased by 17 cents, bringing the total amount to 50 cents per kilometer. He proposed that this reimbursement be calculated against income tax and paid out annually. According to Werneke, based on their proposal, a commuter earning €40,000 annually with a daily commute of 33 kilometers would receive a relief of approximately €450 per year, while a low-income earner would benefit by more than €1,200.
In addition, the Verdi chairman announced that the union intends to demand compensation for inflation during future collective bargaining negotiations. Werneke noted that they must anticipate inflation continuing to affect goods and services, ranging from fuel costs and transport expenses to grocery prices. He concluded that if inflation continues to rise significantly, Verdi will demand these adjustments during the upcoming round of negotiations.