Press Statement A discussion out of touch with reality regarding retirement

Hans-Jürgen Urban, Executive Board Member of IG Metall: “In this debate, I see too much lack of knowledge—or even ignorance—regarding today’s working world. Many people are already worn out long before they reach retirement age. People over 60 will only work in offices and factories if working conditions are right. Anyone who wants to bring about improvements in this area has our full support. Calls for higher statutory retirement ages help no one.

Demands for a higher statutory retirement age are simply out of touch with reality! Working until age 65 or even longer isn’t just a pipe dream in steel mills. People won’t be able or willing to work longer just because retirement ages are rising. Those who call for higher retirement ages are seeking higher pension reductions through the back door. Raising retirement ages means lower pensions for the majority.

Above all, it is up to employers to determine how long people can and want to work. They must finally offer attractive and healthy jobs, including for people over 60. That’s the only way we’ll address the skilled labor shortage.

Workers need better working conditions. Anyone who wants to work longer must be able to do so. Pensions must ensure a decent standard of living. We need a pension system into which everyone contributes: including politicians, civil servants, and the self-employed.”