PRESS STATEMENT IG Metall on the basic pension compromise

Jörg Hofmann: “We welcome the hard-won compromise on the basic pension. After 35 years of work, no one should be forced to turn to social services in old age. A lifetime of work deserves recognition. The basic pension makes our pension system fairer. The Grand Coalition has thus demonstrated its ability to take action. There is still plenty to be done regarding pensions: the pension insurance system must be restructured into an insurance system for the working population, and the pension level must be raised. The real sticking point in retirement provision, however, is low wages. This is where we must start in order to ensure adequate pensions.”

Hans-Jürgen Urban: “The fact that the Union’s blockade has been broken is a step forward in social policy and is due not only to the commitment of labor unions and social welfare organizations but also to the perseverance of the Minister of Labor. Who will benefit from the new basic pension depends not least on how it is ultimately structured. When it comes to the sliding scales above the income exemption threshold and below the 35-year basic pension contribution period, this is about more than just details. It’s about the number of people who may be eligible.”

Further information and press photos of Jörg Hofmann

Further information and press photos of Hans-Jürgen Urban