Frank Werneke, chairman of the trade union Verdi, criticized the governing center-right and red coalition, accusing them of serious planning failures regarding the proposed “relief premium” for employees. Speaking to “Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland” Werneke expressed surprise that the Federal Council had halted the so-called premium, criticizing how the rule-set at 1,000 euros-was introduced by the leadership without fully considering the consequences or consulting with social partners.
Verdi noted that the premium had already collapsed before the Federal Council’s decision, as employers began declaring that they would not pay it, including public sector employers. Alternatively, some employers attempted to integrate the premium into collective bargaining negotiations as a substitute for a genuine wage increase. Verdi strongly rejected this approach, stating, “Price increases remain, and the one-time payment dissipates”.
A similar sentiment was voiced by VdK President Verena Bentele. She characterized the premium as “not a reliable instrument” for effectively relieving citizens of financial burdens. According to Bentele, the failure highlights the pressing need for the German welfare state to establish its own structures. She added that such systems must be capable of supporting citizens in times of crisis quickly, directly, and socially targeted-without depending on the will or financial capacity of employers.