German Union IG Metall Fights Unfair Pension Rules for Workers
Germany's largest trade union, IG Metall, has slammed the federal government's plan to limit additional pension points for employees in the statutory pension system. The union argues that the proposed rules are unfair and complex.
IG Metall, representing over 2 million metalworkers, has called for simple, clear rules that are transparent and equal for all workers. Currently, civil servants and the self-employed can make unlimited additional contributions from the age of 16. However, the proposed Company Pension Strengthening Act will only allow additional pension points for those aged 50 or older.
Hans-Jürgen Urban, IG Metall's social policy executive, has criticized the plan, stating that it creates unequal treatment between statutory pension system employees and others. The union believes that the rules should be fair and beneficial for all professional groups, with minimal administrative burden.
IG Metall has urged the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS), responsible for the Betriebsrentenstärkungsgesetz, to reconsider the proposed restrictions. The union aims to ensure equal treatment and fair pension rules for all German workers.
