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Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD): Inflation as a problem
Photo: IMAGO/Arnulf Hettrich
The trade unions are opposed to Chancellor Olaf Scholz's plan, which aims to cushion the consequences of inflation with one-off payments to employees.
"One-off payments don't get us anywhere," said Verdi boss Frank Werneke on the "Radiowelt" program on Bayern 2.
Rejection also comes from IG Metall.
"Collective bargaining is not conducted in the Chancellery," criticized union boss Jörg Hofmann.
»It is not politics that decides on the goals of our collective bargaining policy, but rather the collective bargaining commissions and committees of IG Metall.«
The deputy chairman of the police union, René Klemmer, said: »This is not sustainable help.
Life will also become more expensive in the coming months.«
The German trade union federation and employers also rejected the proposal.
The unions agree that what is needed is not a one-off action, but permanent wage increases.
They could also compensate for increased prices in the future and would also affect the level of pensions.
Low earners in particular are facing real financial problems because of inflation.
At the weekend, Scholz proposed the possibility of a tax-free one-off payment by employers to compensate for the sharp rise in consumer prices.
In return, the unions are supposed to waive some of the wage increases in collective bargaining rounds so as not to further fuel inflation.
Despite his negative attitude to one-off payments, there is something to be discussed in the planned concerted action in the Chancellery, Verdi boss Werneke announced.
"We need a third relief package that will take effect in the fall," he demanded.
Recipients of state benefits and pensioners should also be supported in this regard.
A dialogue initiated by Scholz with the social partners and the Bundesbank in the fight against inflation will begin next Monday.
mgo/dpa