In the Corona crisis, short-time work saved many people from losing their jobs. The federal government plans to let the support run even longer because of the ongoing pandemic. But that doesn't go far enough for IG Metall.
On the occasion of the extension of the short-time work allowance, IG Metall has called for further steps. "Employees and companies need planning security," said IG Metall boss Jörg Hofmann in Berlin. "We very much welcome the extension of the regulations on the duration of drawdowns and the addition of short-time work allowance, because this is an indispensable component in overcoming the acute Corona crisis," said Hofmann.
Because of the ongoing corona pandemic, the federal government wants to clear the way for an extension of the short-time work allowance this Wednesday. The reference period for the short-time work allowance is to be extended to up to 24 months, at the latest until December 31, 2021. To this end, the Employment Protection Act and other ordinances by Labor Minister Hubertus Heil are to be passed in the federal cabinet.
SPD parliamentary group deputy Katja Mast said that the extension would give many people and their families more security in this crisis. At the same time the qualification will be strengthened. Hofmann stated: "Short-time work secures jobs." You have so far prevented major upheavals in the labor market. "We have to continue on this path." In order to secure jobs in the long term in the face of structural change, short-time work must be more closely linked to qualification. "That is why it is absolutely right to tie the entire reimbursement of social security contributions to employers to a qualification obligation in future."
Making employers more responsible
According to the expected cabinet decisions, the social security contributions for short-time working are to be fully reimbursed by June 30, 2021. Half of the contributions should then be reimbursed by December 31, 2021. If the person concerned receives further training during short-time work, the reimbursement can even be increased to 100 percent. This applies to companies that start short-time work before July 1, 2021.
Hofmann demanded: "The federal government should decide on a further continuation of the short-time working regulations by June 2021 at the latest." In addition, employers should also be made more responsible. "There should only be reimbursement of social security contributions if companies, in return, exclude operational dismissals during short-time work," demanded the IG Metall chairman.
.