dailyloe.com – German workers could see their wages cut for taking sick days under new proposals being debated by political leaders and business groups. No national law has been passed and no formal legislation has been introduced yet. The debate centers on whether current rules are too costly for employers and the wider economy. This follows renewed attention on sickness absence in Germany.
Employees in Germany took an average of 14.8 sick days per year according to recent figures. This is one of the higher recorded rates in Europe. Supporters of reform argue long absences create pressure for businesses. They say businesses are already dealing with weak economic growth and labour shortages.
Germany has long offered stronger income protection during illness than many countries. Employees unable to work due to sickness typically receive full salary for up to six weeks. If illness continues beyond that period, statutory health insurers can provide sickness benefit. These rules are separate from the employer’s payment obligation.
One reported proposal would allow employers to cut or remove pay from the first day of sickness. Another reported idea would reward workers with low absence records. This reward would be an additional day of annual leave. Neither measure has been approved by ministers.
The proposals have been linked to Chancellor Friedrich Merz and the governing coalition. Details of the proposals remain unclear according to reports. The reported aim is to discourage time off for minor illnesses. Support for more serious medical conditions would be maintained.
No draft legislation has been published at the federal level. Any legal change would require formal government backing. It would likely face scrutiny from parliament, employers’ organisations, and unions. Legal experts would also examine any proposed changes.
Germany’s well-established labour protections mean changes would prompt significant debate. Public and political debate would almost certainly occur before any law is passed. Current rules already require employees to notify employers of illness. Employers may also request medical certificates in some cases.[]
Source: Euro Weekly News
