Joint statement by Employers' President Dr. Rainer Dulger and DGB Chairman Reiner Hoffmann on the discussion on an opening strategy and a post-Corona strategy

Berlin, 15 February 2021. The conference of the German Chancellor and the heads of government of the German states has presented initial measures to relax the current lockdown as incidence levels fall. These measures can only be first steps. From the point of view of the BDA and the DGB, it is urgently necessary that the Federal Government and the Länder present a transparent and rule-based opening strategy in the short term.

We are well aware that the protection of public health must be a priority at this time. Every effort must also be made to prevent the spread of virus mutants. But there is growing concern in businesses - among employees and entrepreneurs. Many companies are on the verge of going out of business. Others are postponing investment decisions and facing critical personnel decisions. In this phase, a reliable basis for planning is needed.

The gradual opening up of economic life, the return to work from the home office and the normalisation of work in the company is a complex process that requires a balanced approach. For a successful opening up, we believe it is imperative to involve the social partners in the elaboration of this opening up strategy. They know corporate processes, have the experience of company practice and can at the same time help to strengthen the acceptance of the measures in the companies.

We all want to fight the virus successfully. At the same time, we want to minimise the economic dent and the social consequences, protect jobs and ensure a rapid start through comprehensive vaccination. However, this requires broad acceptance of the measures. The same applies to a post-Corona strategy. Here, too, we - politicians and social partners - should start work quickly. Important decisions are pending for our country. How do we want to strengthen the economy and the labour market in the long term, in which future projects should we invest and how do we finally make our education system fit for the future? It's about long-term solutions that have the broadest possible social consensus. That's what we want to work on.