Our aim: to get to the heart of the matter in a nutshell.
Economic facts. News facts. Association facts. Political facts. Our facts.
What issues move us? How is our economy making a strong case for Germany as a business location?
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Issue 08/23:
Wake-up call for vocational training
The shortage of training and skilled workers is crushing companies. In the current issue, Steffen Kampeter calls for the German government to start recognizing vocational training on an equal footing with academic training. The topic of the week takes a critical look at family start times. Prof. Dr. Andrew Ullmann, who calls for a reform of our healthcare system, provides an exciting guest article.
Issue 07/23:
Entrepreneurship, ambition and creativity
The prosperity of our country and our social security system are based on hard work and efficient, innovative companies. Employers' President Dulger would therefore like to see the federal government take note of this problem, change the framework conditions - and focus on entrepreneurship, ambition and creativity. This week's topic is the upcoming conciliation procedure on whistleblower protection. There is also a guest article by employment law expert Gregor Thüsing on the current EU draft directive on platform work, which is well worth reading.
Issue 06/23:
A chance for a new German speed
With a view to the meeting of the coalition committee, BDA Managing Director Steffen Kampeter therefore calls for the opportunity for a new speed of Germany to be seized. A lot is being announced by the federal government - but little is happening because there is no consensus. This also applies to the complicated procedures for the immigration of skilled workers. Dr. Markus Pieper MEP sees our competitiveness at risk in his guest article. The topic of the week is excellent entrepreneurial commitment to vocational training. And much more.
Issue 05/23:
We need the courage to change
In the BDA Agenda, employers' president Dulger calls on the German government to have the courage to change in order to avoid becoming the sick man of Europe again. Magdalena Rogl from Microsoft Germany explains why empathy is the basis for diversity and inclusion in the Comment of the Week. Other topics in this issue include the shortage of skilled workers, mobile working and the EU social security card, and much more.
Issue 04/23:
Daring more sustainability & social progress
Instead of more sustainability and social progress, bureaucracy and control madness are being promoted, warns BDA Managing Director Steffen Kampeter in the viewpoint of the current issue. The quality of schools urgently needs to be improved. This is the topic of the week. There is also a guest article by Ingrid Hofmann that is well worth reading: she calls for more appreciation for companies.
Issue 03/23:
We need a new dynamic in the economy and the world of work!
In the BDA AGENDA, employer president Dr. Dulger outlines how we can achieve a new dynamic in the economy and the world of work. The guest commentary by Dr. Niggemann, Member of the Executive Board of Deutsche Lufthansa AG, deals with the topic of "working time recording". In the new issue, you will also find insights into the exchange between the BDA Digital Council and the Head of the Federal Chancellery Wolfgang Schmidt, information on social self-administration and the future of European social systems and the welfare state, and much more.
Issue 02/23:
Germany's quality as a business location at risk
Employer President Dr. Rainer Dulger believes that Germany's quality as a business location is at risk and addresses this issue in detail in the current issue of AGENDA. You will also find an article on the topic of "cutting red tape" using the example of the "basic pension" as well as a guest commentary by Ilka Horstmeier, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, in which she explains that innovations need freedom, and much more.
Issue 01/23:
Into the new year with strength and optimism
In the current issue, our Managing Director Steffen Kampeter looks ahead to 2023 and clearly formulates the topics that will be important this year. Judith Wiese, Member of the Managing Board and Labour Director of Siemens AG, emphasizes that due to a shortage of skilled workers, companies must increase their attractiveness as an employer - not least by training and developing their own employees. In the AGENDA you will also find information on our "WORK MADE IN GERMANY" campaign and the Labor Law Congress, which will take place at the beginning of February 2023, as well as much more.
Issue 25/22:
A good start to the new year 2023!
In this year's last issue, employer president Dr. Rainer Dulger looks back on 2022. You will also find all the information on the electronic certificate of incapacity for work, which will be launched on January 1, 2023, an overview of the various ISWA seminars and much more.
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Issue 24/22:
We need a new ambition!
"We once again need the strong will and courage to realize ideas and shape the future, the hunger for change," emphasizes our Managing Director Steffen Kampeter in the new BDA AGENDA. Also included: a guest commentary by Prof. Dr. Werding on "Structural Change & Deindustrialization", concrete proposals for a moratorium on burdens in the multi-crisis, a look at our digital skills initiative "Future Skills" and much more.
Issue 23/22:
Our democracy has proven its effectiveness in the crisis
Our Managing Director Steffen Kampeter explains the importance of the Citizen's Income and the Mediation Committee in the current issue of BDA-AGENDA. You will also find a guest article by the Chairman of the Ludwig Erhard Foundation, Prof. Dr. Roland Koch, as well as a review of our joint BDA/LES Lunchtalk, which took place this week with top-class speakers and numerous guests. A preview of our upcoming event, which we are organizing together with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, and much more.
Issue 22/22:
We must do everything we can to secure jobs and value creation
In the current issue, employer president Dr. Rainer Dulger comments on the Citizen's Income Act, which was passed today in the German Bundestag. You will also find our latest brochure "Artificial intelligence in business practice" as well as a detailed plea for sustainable structural reforms in health and long-term care insurance and much more.
Issue 21/22:
Release the brakes and give priority to economic growth!
"Economic growth remains the guarantor", emphasizes our CEO Steffen Kampeter and explains how certain brakes on growth need to be eased. You will also find a guest article by Elisabeth Niejahr on the topic of "Equal opportunities and social mobility" as well as a reference to our labor law congress and an outlook on the economy in the current AGENDA.
Issue 20/22:
This energy crisis must not become an economic and social crisis - politicians and social partners must do everything they can together to prevent this.
In the current issue of the BDA agenda, employer president Dr. Rainer Dulger warns that politicians and social partners must do everything possible to ensure that this energy crisis does not turn into an economic and social crisis, also in view of the shortage of skilled workers and the onset of recession. You will also find our position on the draft Whistleblower Protection Act and 10 theses on innovation culture from Deutsche Telekom board member Birgit Bohle. This and much more awaits you.
Issue 19/22:
Driving digitalization forward with momentum.
Legislators should promptly improve the Verification Act. Our Managing Director Steffen Kampeter explains how and why in the latest BDA AGENDA. You will also find a guest article by the Ambassador of the United States of America H.E. Dr. Amy Gutmann, an explanatory video on the topic of "structural change", a plea against raising the income threshold for statutory health insurance contributions and much more.
Special edition 18/22:
#DAT2022: Strong economy. Strong Germany.
At the German #Arbeitgebertag 2022, we welcomed numerous national and international speakers from politics, business and society. Thank you for all the exciting speeches and discussions at DAT2022! And of course many thanks to the #sponsors and all those involved, without whom this event would not have been possible.
Issue 17/22:
Modern regulations in working time law instead of new working time bureaucracy
Big events cast their shadows ahead...the German Employers' Day 2022 will take place on September 13. We are looking forward to many high-caliber speakers, such as CDU party chairman Friedrich Merz, who has written the guest article on "Germany must reinvent its business model" in this issue of AGENDA. In addition, employer president Dr. Rainer Dulger presents his ideas for a new working time law.
Issue 16/22:
Fighting inflation effectively together
Our Managing Director, Steffen Kampeter, emphasizes the importance of a joint effort to overcome inflation in the current BDA AGENDA. You will also find a commentary by Sarna Röser, who describes entrepreneurship as "life insurance for the German economy". It also deals with the topics of equal opportunities, a hybrid working world and much more.
Issue 15/22:
Putting an end to sleepwalking - Resolutely out of the crisis
Skilled workers are in demand everywhere. With the start of the training year, young people once again have the opportunity to make targeted use of their chances. Many training places are still available. The BDA is also looking for skilled workers. You can read more about this and a plea by Elke Hannack, Deputy Federal Chairwoman of the German Trade Union Confederation, for a cultural change in further training and much more in the current issue of BDA AGENDA.
Issue 14/22:
When the lights go out in companies, no one is helped
In the current issue of the BDA Agenda, BDA Managing Director Steffen Kampeter warns that we must prioritize our resilience to gas supply disruptions. The crises are overlapping. In such a complex situation, we need balanced and pragmatic solutions. Our topic of the week is the SHI funding gap. Also worth reading: the appeal for more courage in Martin Seiler's commentary of the week. Our 10-point plan on labor migration and much more awaits you in the current issue.
Issue 13/22:
Finding the best solutions together
In the current issue of the BDA Agenda, employer president Dr. Rainer Dulger emphasizes that we can only solve this crisis together, because we have a shared responsibility. You will also find a commentary by ZDH President Hans Peter Wollseifer on securing skilled workers and our position on the topic of administrative digitization, where Germany is lagging far behind. This and much more awaits you.
Special issue 12/22:
#futurework22 - for a sustainable design of the world of work
More than 2,500 participants on site at the EUREF-Campus and via livestream: #futurework22 - the largest festival on the future of work in Germany - was once again a complete success! The topic of "shaping the world of work sustainably" was the focus of the numerous discussions and workshops with 46 speakers. In this special edition you will find, among other things, the best impressions of the event. Take a look now!
Issue 11/22:
Strengthening the economy!
Diversity is increasingly being recognized as a success factor in companies. Dr. Claudia Brandkamp from Deutsche Telekom Security GmbH explains how to prevent violence in the workplace. This time, the "Summer of Vocational Training" will also focus on the "Importance of practical experience". And don't forget: #futurework22 will take place on June 23, 2022. Register now!
Issue 10/22:
Let's get down to business!
Two key topics in the new issue of the BDA agenda are the "STEM Spring Report" and the "Summer of Vocational Training". You will also find a guest commentary by Omid Nouripour MdB, Federal Chairman of Bündnis90/Die Grünen, on the "Energy Revolution" and two constitutional assessments of the Minimum Wage Increase Act. We wish you an interesting read!
Issue 09/22:
A strong economy - a secure Germany
Employer President Dr. Rainer Dulger promotes the "summer of vocational training", a new era of our social partner begins with Yasmin Fahimi at the helm, a guest commentary by Federal Minister Christian Lindner on the topic of "supply policy" and many other exciting topics can be found in the new issue of the BDA Agenda.
Issue 08/22:
Averting damage to collective bargaining autonomy
The Minimum Wage Increase Act was not only a topic in the German Bundestag on April 28, 2022, but also at our lunchtime talk. You can find out more in the current BDA Agenda. We also talk about Girls'Day/Boys'Day, which takes place today, and the Hertie Foundation's current campaign on multiple sclerosis in the workplace.
Issue 07/22:
Rethinking together
In the current issue of the BDA Agenda, employer president Dr. Rainer Dulger emphasizes that the most important goal at the moment is security. We can only achieve this with a strong economy. You will also find a commentary by Prof. Dr. Veronika Grimm on economic development in Germany and the eurozone as well as our position on the subject of "BAföG". Extending BAföG is the wrong way to go. This and much more awaits you.
Issue 06/22:
Strong companies - a secure Germany
Issue 05/22:
#StandWithUkraine
Issue 04/22:
Protecting collective bargaining autonomy
Issue 03/22:
The spirit of Ludwig Erhard belongs back at the cabinet table
Issue 02/22:
Strengthening trust and planning security
In the latest edition of the BDA agenda, BDA Managing Director Steffen Kampeter emphasizes the importance of planning security and trust. In our "Topic of the week", we look at the excellent training opportunities for young people and in the "Report from Brussels" we discuss the EU Commission's higher education strategy. This and much more awaits you.
Issue 01/22:
More cooperation, respect and support
In the first issue of the BDA agenda in 2022, BDA Managing Director Steffen Kampeter calls for more cooperation, respect and support from political leaders and the traffic light government. In our "Topic of the week", we look at the pension policy responses to demographic change. "Inclusion: Single points of contact for employers" is the topic of the "Extra of the week".
Issue 29/21:
Confidence and drive for 2022
In the new BDA agenda, Employers' President Dulger looks to the new year with optimism. What was particularly relevant in the EU in 2021 and what can we expect in 2022? Answers in the topic of the week. A Christmas greeting from the BDA communications team and much more awaits you.
Issue 28/21:
Respect for corporate responsibility
In the new BDA agenda, Managing Director Steffen Kampeter looks forward to the cooperation between social partner employers and social democrat Scholz. Other topics include the International Labor Conference (ILO) and an update on the EU's planned minimum wage and wage transparency directives.
Issue 27/21:
There's a magic in every beginning
Issue 26/21:
For a new departure that makes our country strong in the long term
Issue 25/21:
New opportunities for reform
Issue 24/21:
For a sustainable economic recovery
Issue 23/21:
Germany after the election
Issue 21/21:
For a strong business location
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September 9, 2021
Issue 20/21:
Making social systems fit for the future
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Issue 19/21:
Legal certainty for vaccination status inquiry!
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Issue 18/21:
Europe for growth and value creation
In the current issue, you can read the appeal by employer president Rainer Dulger on the current vaccination appeal and the call for the new German government to put social security systems at the top of the agenda. In the commentary, Florian Hahn, CDU/CSU Member of Parliament and Chairman of the Committee on European Union Affairs, reflects on growth and value creation for Europe. In the topic of the week, we report on the conference on the future of Europe and the core demands of employers. In addition, our virtual lunch talk series will start again after the summer break with many interesting players and topics. You can register in the agenda.
Issue 17/21:
Update for the world of work and social systems
Read the views of Steffen Kampeter, Managing Director of the BDA, in the current issue of the German government's annual social report. In the commentary of the week, the home office is seen as a benefit for everyone by Dr. Mathias Bartke MdB, Chairman of the Committee on Labour and Social Affairs. A modern and flexible working time law is also the topic of the week.
Issue 16/21:
Defending common values
Read the appeal by Steffen Kampeter, Managing Director of the BDA, for solidarity with the flood victims in the current issue. The topic of the week examines the impact of US entry restrictions on the German economy. The German-American friendship is also the subject of the Comment of the Week by Prof. Dr. Andrew Ullmann MdB, Deputy Chairman of the Parliamentary Group USA.
Issue 15/21:
Full throttle on education - learning from the pandemic
In the current issue, you can read the viewpoint of employer president Dr. Rainer Dulger, who reminds us that education belongs at the top of the agenda. This week's topic is the "Summer of Vocational Training". We are partnering with the Alliance for Initial and Further Training to intensify vocational orientation and attract school leavers to in-company training. Training is also the subject of the commentary by Claudia Müller, Member of the German Bundestag and SME representative for the Bündnis 90/Die Grünen parliamentary group. Also of interest are the EU's new priorities in occupational health and safety. Speaking of which: don't let up on vaccinations and testing!
June 24, 2021
Issue 14/21:
Less regulation, more entrepreneurial spirit
In the current issue, you can read the viewpoint of employer president Dr. Rainer Dulger, who warns that without strengthening the economy, we will neither be climate-neutral nor an industrial nation in the future. The shortage of skilled workers is one of the obstacles for companies and therefore our topic of the week. In addition to lots of other exciting information, you can also find out how the EU's new Covid certificate works and why the free movement of people can finally be a priority again in times of a pandemic.
Special edition 13/21:
#FUTUREWORK21 - The new world of work after the pandemic
Read the viewpoint of BDA Managing Director Steffen Kampeter in the current issue. With a packed program, around 50 speakers and almost 4,000 guests in the livestream, #futurework21 was once again a great success this year. It's worth taking a look at the photo gallery or the videos. The SME check by Microsoft and BDA is also particularly informative - the majority of Germany's SMEs are well placed for a successful restart after the coronavirus crisis. You can find out which factors are decisive for this in the current BDA Agenda.
Issue 12/21:
Cohesion instead of division - parts of politics on the wrong track
In the current issue, you can read the viewpoint of BDA CEO Steffen Kampeter, who counters the divisive forces in politics by not just thinking about the election date, but thinking about our future. We want to move our country forward together. We will show this again when it comes to vaccination. On the occasion of the vaccination summit, vaccination is also the topic of the week. The report on the EU Blue Card and the STEM trend report are also particularly informative. And if you don't want to miss #Futurework21, you can find the direct link to registration in the agenda.
Special edition 11/21:
#wirtschaftsindwiralle - We employers for the federal election
Read the latest issue here with a viewpoint from the President of the Employers' Association, Dr. Rainer Dulger. This special edition of the BDA agenda contains our expectations of politicians and the next federal government, which we have summarized in an 8-point paper. Creating good working conditions is not just a slogan or advertising slogan for companies, but a reality in the workplace. Companies in Germany do a lot to ensure that their working conditions are not just good, but very good. We need good framework conditions for this.
Issue 10/21:
Social market economy must not be a blank space
You can read the latest issue here, including a viewpoint from employer president Dr. Rainer Dulger. The topic of the week is the current poverty/wealth report from the German government. The report from Brussels is all about the developments at the social summit in Porto. The next generation is important to us employers. That's why a BDA panel discussion at the didacta education trade fair was dedicated to the topic of "Teacher training in and after Corona", in line with the publication "Improving teacher training.
Issue 09/21:
Vaccination is economic policy
You can read the latest issue here, including a viewpoint from employer president Dr. Rainer Dulger. With May 1st just around the corner, the topic of the week is of course all about work. We would also like to take this opportunity to mention our #Futurework21 festival. For us employers, the social market economy also remains important. We would therefore be delighted to receive a comment of the week from Dr. Carsten Linnemann MdB. Otherwise, all we can say is: vaccinate, vaccinate, vaccinate!
Issue 08/21:
Corona crisis - Politics and business need to join forces
Read the latest issue here, including a viewpoint from employer president Dr. Rainer Dulger. The issue also contains the topic of the week: digitalization on the occasion of the Hannover Messe this week. The issue is also dedicated to the topic of 70 years of coal and steel co-determination. You can also read interesting facts about inclusion and training.
Issue 07/21:
We test what the stuff holds!
Read the latest issue here, including an opinion piece by Steffen Kampeter, BDA Managing Director, which focuses in particular on the topic of coronavirus testing. The issue also contains the topic of the week: short-time work and vacation entitlement as well as a well-filled media review, this time also with audio contributions, and news from our members.
Issue 06/21:
The key lies in vaccination and testing
Read the latest issue here, including a viewpoint from employer president Dr Rainer Dulger and the topic of the week: Digitalization and sustainability in every dual training programme as part of Training Week. The issue also contains a commentary of the week by Tilman Kuban, Federal Chairman of the Junge Union Deutschlands, a report from Brussels on the Pay Transparency Directive and the video of the week for our live talk series 'Social Partner Employers in Dialogue'.
Issue 05/21:
If politics and business pull together, we can gain a lot of trust
Read the latest issue here, including a viewpoint from employer president Dr. Rainer Dulger and the topic of the week: Collective agreement on care for the elderly. The issue also contains a commentary of the week by Gesamtmetall President Dr. Stefan Wolf, an article on the European social partners' consultations on platform work and an interesting special on our virtual event series "Social Partner Employers in Dialogue", in which Till Brönner has already taken part.
Issue 04/21:
Entrepreneurs and employees finally need a clear perspective
Read the latest issue here, including a viewpoint from Steffen Kampeter, BDA Managing Director, and the topic of the week: supply chains. The issue also contains an exciting Twitter discussion with Federal Minister Heil and information on the report on strengthening social dialog in the EU.