Debate Over Holiday Observance Sparks Controversy in Berlin

Debate on Sick Pay and Unpaid Sick Days in Germany

A heated debate has emerged in Germany regarding the reduction of sick pay and the introduction of unpaid sick days. Economist Bernd Raffelhüschen advocates for reducing sick pay to the level of unemployment benefits to manage rising healthcare costs. He warns that increasing social expenditure could threaten the welfare state. In contrast, Labor Minister Hubertus Heil and Health Minister Karl Lauterbach oppose the idea of unpaid sick days, arguing it would disproportionately affect low-income workers. They emphasize that the higher rate of sick leave in Germany results from long-term illnesses rather than malingering. Lauterbach and Heil stress that current measures allow employers to verify sick leave legitimacy. Allianz CEO Oliver Bäte's proposal to eliminate paid sick leave for the first day faced criticism, with opponents citing potential hardships for vulnerable employees. While some politicians support re-evaluating sick pay policies, others, like CDU Vice Laumann, dismiss unpaid sick days due to negative past experiences. The discussion also touches on broader social welfare reforms, with parties suggesting changes to increase workers' net income. However, the proposal to cut sick pay remains contentious, reflecting deep divides over Germany's social safety nets.