Hopeless, powerless: the head of a family business sharply criticizes government measures

The prospect of a lockdown until Easter makes Monika Bischof shudder: The 39-year-old runs a family business and feels hopeless and powerless.

Poing - Monika Bischof looks out of the living room window into the snow-covered garden.

After a second or two of silence, she says: “I never thought that I would get into a situation where I would be hopeless.

Actually, I'm an optimistic person. ”The 39-year-old Poinger has been running a family business for bridal and communion clothing as well as accessories in Haar (Munich district) since January 1st, 2021 in the third generation.

Her husband also works in the business, and the two children (9 and 15 years old) are at home in homeschooling.

"I fear that our company will not survive all of this," she says.

And adds: like many other companies, too.

Sharp criticism of the state and federal government

That is why Monika Bischof has been writing regular emails to the Bavarian state government for months.

"I want them to hear that things will not go on like this," says the Poinger in a firm voice.

In the spring of 2020, she received government aid of 9,000 euros.

Since then: nothing more.

At that time it was still relatively easy to submit the relevant application.

"But now it is extremely complicated, it can only be done through a tax advisor."

What makes me so exhausted is the powerlessness: That a Mr. Söder can simply stand up and say: 'You're closing now'. "

Monika Bischof, who is the third generation to run a family business.

The family business “Peter Vollmer Bridal and Communion Fashion” has two employees and one temporary worker.

“We have all been on short-time work since April.

I have given a colleague full-time again, she is alone and otherwise cannot make ends meet financially, "reports Monika Bischof.

The boss speaks of around 10,000 euros fixed costs per month for the business - rent, staff, electricity, etc. "What makes me so exhausted is the powerlessness: That a Mr. Söder can simply stand up and say: 'You're closing now'." Although many retailers, restaurants and the self-employed have worked out and applied hygiene concepts in the past few months.

Although in many areas customer visits would only be possible by appointment (Bischof mentions hairdressing salons in addition to her business, for example): “The contact tracking is better there than in the subway and suburban train,” she says.

"Click & Collect" a small ray of hope

Due to the Corona crisis, she has broken new ground for advertising and customer contact - especially in social media.

The now valid “Click & Collect” is a small ray of hope, says Monika Bischof.

Because many parents are in preparation, even more are hoping for first communion in spring, the demand for the offer is high: choose and order clothes online and then pick them up in the store (by appointment).

However, this cannot be a permanent solution.

The last resort: Hartz IV

In response to the most recent reports that Chancellor Angela Merkel is considering a lockdown until Easter, Bishop wrote to Bavaria's Minister of Economic Affairs, Hubert Aiwanger, on Tuesday: “Are you serious?

Then say goodbye to your taxpayers, because then there is no one left!

Then I'll lie down on Hartz IV on the sofa at home. "