Social policy: Employers request that the retirement age increase

Almost two weeks before the Bundestag election, Germany’s employer pounded an increase in retirement age in Germany depending on the development of life expectancy. “The social systems are neglected in the election programs and in the election campaign,” said employer president Rainer Dulger of the German Press Agency in Berlin.

A stable revenue base is necessary. “That is why we need a dynamization of the retirement age,” said Dulger. In the past, employers had already caused violent reactions with similar claims. According to currently applicable law, the age limit for the regular age pension without discounts is gradually increased to 67 years by 2031. Since 2024, the age limit has been increased in two-month steps with the 1959 year of birth. The standard age limit of 67 years then applies to insured persons from year 1964.

DGB warns of pension cuts

Criticism of Dulger came from the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) and the SPD. “If this is seriously the great ideas of employers for a future-proof Germany, then the prospects of zappenduster would be,” said Anja Piel, DGB board member. “Even employer president Dulger must finally understand what clever employers have long since know: Companies manage to attract and maintain skilled workers where employees find good working conditions in co -determined companies and can and want to work healthy until retirement.” If you want to put up the retirement age, you will shorten the pensions. “And that always affects the most who have worked hard for many years.”

The parliamentary managing director of the SPD parliamentary group, Katja Mast, said: “I think it’s a shame that the employers have no alternatives to social reduction.” Mast also said: “Where are the impulses so that everyone can work fit to pension and where the suggestions that work is worthwhile by increasing wages?”

Purchasing instead of letting tiles in old age?

Dulger also called for incentives to create that people remain in working life beyond the age of retirement. “Many would like to work longer, also because people look forward to regular contact with colleagues. For example, when the children are out of the house.” For example, if someone has laid tiles for 40 years, they could no longer work hard physically. But he has a lot of experience – ideal for work preparation and purchasing. “This is also why I am for the dynamization of the retirement age – it does better do it.”

Dulger explained: “I don’t want a discussion that it should now be X, Y or Z years until the retirement. The President of the BDA employers’ association called for “a broad debate”. Such a sensitive topic should only be decided after an intensive discussion.

Dulger for more net of gross

Dulgers in the social goals to limit the “constantly increasing wage costs”. These led to less net of gross. That meets the employees. “Our social systems urgently need to be reformed. We all know that we are getting older. We all know that we will have more and more beneficiaries – and and less paying.”

The additional wages have increased to more than 40 percent – and would continue to increase. “Work is only fun if it is well paid and the employees go home with a lot of net from gross.” On the subject of care, for example, Dulger said: “Everyone wants to know in good hands in old age. But it also has to remain affordable – we also need generation justice here.” Pension and care system would have to be reformed.

Debate in parliament required

“I would like a real debate once a year in the German Bundestag about the future viability of our social security systems,” continued the employer official and entrepreneur. “Today almost everyone believes that it is political suicide to strive for reforms here. But we have to go there.”

Dulger also sees reform needs in the health system “to make it more efficient”. Politicians urgently have to change the politicians again in 2023. “Work always has to be much more worthwhile than non-work.” In some cases, for example, for single parents with several assistance, those affected who work, today, also come to a noticeably more money a month due to additional work. Dulger said: “Many people who go to work and are proud to see it.