PRESS STATEMENT No layoffs if government aid is provided!

Jörg Hofmann: “More than 10 million workers on short-time work and 2.6 million unemployed people show just how firmly the crisis has society in its grip. It is now clear how important short-time work is as a tool. It has prevented an even sharper rise in unemployment. We must continue down this path. The recession will be with us for some time yet. Many people are worried about their future and that of their families. Now it is crucial to show solidarity and secure employment.

Employers must act responsibly. Now is the time for social partnership to prove its worth. Companies that receive public funds must not lay off workers. The crisis can only be overcome together with employees and through investments in the future.

Germany faces a twofold challenge. We must overcome the COVID-19 crisis and use investment to drive structural change. The problems that existed before the pandemic will not have disappeared once it is over: the ecological transformation of the economy, the transportation and energy transitions, the shift to alternative propulsion technologies, and digitalization—all of these can only be addressed with increased investment. That is why we need an economic stimulus package. It must be scaled to generate strong growth momentum and must be coordinated at the European level.

In Germany, as in many European countries, the automotive industry is a key sector that must regain momentum soon. We will have no choice but to offer purchase incentives. These incentives should be fairly shared between the government and automakers and should help reduce CO2 emissions and support employment among suppliers and manufacturers. This requires an open approach to technology.”

Further information and press photos of Jörg Hofmann