This pension package can only be a first step towards secure and fair pensions in the long term. The agreed extension of the holding line prevents a rapid decline in pension levels. This not only benefits the boomer generation, but also younger people. There is a risk of a decline in future pensions as early as 2031. If the Young Union Group has its way, further benefit cuts await with the threatened second pension package. We need long-term stabilization of levels, otherwise the pension gap will grow. Expensive, risky and one-sided financial products cannot and must not be a solution. The SPD must be careful not to gamble away everything in the pension commission and allow the current pension package to be reversed.
In the slipstream of the turbulence surrounding pension levels, the federal government is planning an attack on collective bargaining autonomy in company pensions. She wants to push through the so-called social partner model with low acceptance by the social partners. In doing so, the government is threatening the collective bargaining parties in the country to enforce company pensions without guarantees for employees and without employer liability, even against their will and in violation of collective agreements. We cannot and will not accept such an attack on collective bargaining autonomy. We expect steadfastness from a social democratic labor minister when it comes to employee and trade union rights.