Trade unions and welfare associations criticize the federal government's social and care reform plans

A broad alliance of trade unions and welfare associations has rejected the federal government's plans for cuts in care, families and social policy. “Social cohesion is a prerequisite for democratic stability,” write the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB), the trade unions IG Metall and Ver.di, Caritas, Diakonie and social associations such as the VdK in a call available to the dpa news agency.

One looks with concern at the planned cuts in areas such as housing benefit, child allowance, maintenance advance or child, youth and integration assistance. The welfare state has “not only social and economic significance, but also essential democratic significance,” warns the alliance. Welfare state reforms must be implemented in everyday life, at work and at home.

In particular, the care reform plans approved by the cabinet on Wednesday are being criticized. "It must be avoided that the adequate care of those in need of care and the laboriously achieved staffing of the facilities, which depends on the mix of care levels, are jeopardized," said the associations.

In their opinion, the planned change in the classification of care levels would also make it more difficult or impossible for those affected to use the benefits of long-term care insurance,” it said. The associations are calling for reliable security systems and are proposing to tax high assets and inheritances more heavily to finance them.

Structural reform planned

The black-red federal cabinet launched part of the care reform package on Wednesday after long negotiations. Among other things, higher contributions for those without children and an increase in the contribution assessment limit are planned. Health Minister Carsten Linnemann (CDU) also wants to respond to the increase in the number of people in need of care with stricter criteria.