Brandbrief: Metall-Arbeitgeber fordern mehr Reformtempo von Merz

A group of leading German and Bavarian companies have penned a letter to Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) advocating for swift social reforms in Germany, citing high energy costs, international competition, and a shifting economic landscape as burdens on their businesses. The letter, obtained by the Deutsche Presse-Agentur, argues that the concrete design of social and economic policy frameworks determines whether companies can remain competitive, retain jobs, and invest in their locations.

Among the 17 signatories are representatives from companies such as Siemens AG and prominent figures from the automotive sector, including Audi, BMW, Porsche, and ZF. The metal workers' association leaders from Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg also signed the document.

However, the CEO of DAX conglomerate Siemens Healthineers took a contrasting stance, stating in a dpa interview, "I personally find this constant second-guessing of the government utterly unappealing. Because I say: These are businesses, we are not operating in a plan or state economy. Constantly looking to the government is difficult."

He emphasized that he does not believe the government is responsible for economic growth, challenging the notion that the government should be held accountable for economic prosperity. The letter demands a reduction in social contributions, which currently make up 42% of labor costs, back to the 40% mark. It calls for genuine structural reforms across social insurance sectors that tackle cost side and curb the constant rise in spending.

Only then can labor costs at the German location be reduced to a level that is competitive internationally. The businesses and economic associations also strongly advocate for a block solution on age part-time work, which is the chosen option in 99.5% of cases by both companies and workers. They argue that abolishing it would be an unjustified interference in a functioning and urgently needed instrument for transformation. In summary, the work hours need to be more flexible, as a daily maximum of ten hours is outdated.