Protect workers with fair short-time work benefits Show responsibility now—correct the injustice in short-time work benefits

We find ourselves in an extraordinary situation. The coronavirus is spreading in Germany, across Europe, and around the world. Policymakers are responding quickly and decisively to the coronavirus crisis. That is a good thing. Companies are receiving large-scale financial support to help them survive the crisis. This also safeguards jobs. We expressly welcome this.

However, millions of our colleagues will be placed on short-time work in the coming weeks.

Overnight, workers will have to forgo up to 40 percent of their net income. That is not enough to cover rent and living expenses. Through collective bargaining agreements, IG Metall has already secured supplements to short-time work benefits for many workers, which help alleviate this financial strain. But there are still too many companies and industries without collective bargaining agreements.

In this situation, the government has decided that employers will be reimbursed not only for their own social security contributions but also for employees’ contributions during short-time work. This is deeply unfair and must be corrected. The reimbursed employee contributions belong to the employees! With these contributions, net pay could be increased to at least 80 percent.

We call on all employers: Take responsibility for your employees! And we remind employers: Health comes before profit! Ensure the protection of your employees now!

IG Metall –

a strong partner even in times of crisis