2023 Employee Representative Elections DRV Bund: We’re running for IG Metall

Here’s what our candidates at the German Federal Pension Insurance Fund have to say:

“We need a solidarity-based overhaul of the pension system in Germany”

… says Hans-Jürgen Urban (61), Executive Board Member of IG Metall.

Why are you involved in social self-governance?

For me, social self-administration is democracy in action. My goal is to represent the interests of our colleagues in the social self-administration committees and to advocate for good benefits and fair administrative decisions for all insured individuals.

Which issues are particularly close to your heart?

For me, the issue of smooth transitions into retirement is absolutely crucial. A pension system based on solidarity must ensure that, after a long working life, people can eventually exercise their right to retire. We need flexible transition options before reaching the standard retirement age, especially for groups of workers who face particularly high workloads.

What does the future of retirement benefits look like to you?

We need a solidarity-based overhaul of the pension system in Germany and a strengthening of pay-as-you-go pension provision. This includes the gradual introduction of employment-based insurance, stabilizing and raising pension levels, flexible transition options into retirement, and further strengthening protection against reduced earning capacity within the pension insurance system.

“The health of our colleagues is non-negotiable!”

… says Garnet Alps (41), 1st Authorized Representative of IG Metall Braunschweig.

Why are you involved in social self-governance?

Co-determination is our bread and butter as a union. Many people aren’t familiar with co-determination in social insurance—yet it’s of great importance. It’s how we bring the realities of our colleagues’ lives into the social insurance system. Through self-administration, we can help ensure that insured individuals receive the benefits they need.

What issues are particularly close to your heart?

The health of our colleagues. This specifically concerns the issue of the retirement age. Even retirement at 67 was a mistake and is unattainable for many colleagues. They then have to retire earlier with reduced benefits. Employers want to raise the retirement age even higher. We must put a clear stop to this. The health of our colleagues is non-negotiable!

What does the retirement system of the future look like to you?

Secure and fair. With the stable foundation of the statutory pension. It must enable a good life in old age—both for those who have contributed their entire lives and for those with gaps in their work history. With an employment-based insurance system into which everyone contributes, this is also financially viable.

“Ever-higher standard retirement ages are not a solution based on solidarity,”

… says Sebastian Kramer (38), union secretary.

Why are you involved in social self-administration?

Self-governance deals with very specific issues: Ultimately, it’s the pension insurance provider that decides whether insured individuals are recognized as having reduced earning capacity or receive rehabilitation benefits. As a representative of the insured, I can help ensure that such decisions are made fairly and transparently.

Which issues are particularly close to your heart?

I’m particularly concerned about the increasing attacks on the pay-as-you-go pension system by economic institutions, lobby groups, and certain political circles. More funded pension plans, private retirement savings, and ever-higher standard retirement ages are not solutions based on solidarity. We’ll have to stand our ground against this in the coming years. 

What does the pension system of the future look like to you?

The pension system of the future should, first and foremost, be organized on the basis of solidarity and fairness. For me, that means: Everyone pays contributions into a common pool to finance today’s pensions and, in return, receives pension entitlements that will allow them to live comfortably in their old age. The idea of a solidarity-based insurance system for the working population is therefore, in my view, the central building block for a future-proof and intergenerationally fair pension system.

“Health must not become a matter of income”

… says Kirstin Zeidler (54), chair of the works council at Thyssenkrupp Steel Europe.

Why are you involved in social self-governance?

I want to represent the interests of the insured and contribute my ideas: More women in self-governance!

Which issues are particularly close to your heart?

Health must not become a matter of income.

What does the future of retirement benefits look like to you?

Fair financing through equal sharing.