In Germany, a proposal to introduce unpaid sick days has sparked significant debate. Allianz CEO Oliver Bäte suggests eliminating pay on the first day of illness to cut healthcare costs. However, this idea has faced opposition from various quarters. Health Minister Karl Lauterbach and Labor Minister Hubertus Heil strongly oppose the measure, emphasizing the potential negative impact on low-income workers. Critics argue that such a policy could lead to increased workplace infections as employees might attend work despite illness.
Trade unions and employer associations have also voiced concerns, questioning the proposal's effectiveness and warning against fostering mistrust. The German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) representative views it as an attack on social protection rights. Additionally, the Covid-19 pandemic has heightened respiratory infections, complicating the issue further.
Despite Germany's high sickness rates, attributed partly to long-term illnesses and inadequate prevention, ministers argue that reducing sick pay could exacerbate existing problems. They stress the importance of maintaining trust and ensuring fair treatment for all workers, particularly those already at risk from environmental and occupational stressors.
