Christiane Benner, President of IG Metall:
“The Commission’s recommendations include certain approaches that we expressly support. These include, in particular, the proposal to gradually transform the statutory pension insurance system into an insurance scheme for the working population. The fact that all working people—employees, the self-employed, politicians, and civil servants—are to be included in the pension system in the future is in line with a long-standing demand by IG Metall.
From IG Metall’s perspective, however, it is wrong to call into question proven options for a flexible and socially secure transition to retirement. Abolishing the pension after 45 years of contributions would send the wrong signal. Those who have paid contributions for significantly longer than others and contributed to this country’s economic success must be able to rely on the fact that this lifetime achievement is also recognized within the pension system.
Partial retirement remains equally important. Ending the block model would weaken a key instrument for socially responsible transformation. Especially in times of profound industrial upheaval, employees and companies need reliable options for managing the transition from paid work to retirement.
The question also remains as to how occupational pension plans can be made significantly more widespread. Here, in particular, there has been a considerable need for action for years. A reliable occupational pension plan, secured by collective bargaining agreements, must be a central component of a modern old-age security system.
Further developing old-age security is an important societal task. It deserves a careful debate and sustainable solutions. The DGB Pension Commission will present its own proposals for a reform based on solidarity. Our goal remains a secure pension, broad-based solidarity-based financing, and a welfare state that recognizes lifetime achievements and guarantees social security.”
Hans-Jürgen Urban, Social Affairs Director of IG Metall:
“The statutory pension level is the key benchmark for reliable retirement security for people. If the pension level and benefits under the statutory pension system were to be scaled back and left at the mercy of capital market turbulence, that would be a dangerous gamble with the retirement income of more than 20 million people. Insured individuals’ contributions must not be used for speculation, and losses on the stock market must not be allowed to cut statutory pensions!
These plans are an attack on the solidarity-based pay-as-you-go system of the statutory pension insurance, which has carried us through reunification and many economic crises with a high degree of stability and reliability. The downside of any kind of stock-based pension is hardly ever discussed. It can become toxic. Especially when capital markets underperform; when new crises and wars send stock prices into a tailspin; when investors no longer trust the promises of tech companies. IG Metall has already once prevented the FDP’s attempt to gamble with pensions. We will also oppose a second attempt.”
Further information and press photos of Christiane Benner
Further information and press photos of Hans-Jürgen Urban
