The Federal Ministry of Labor must now see itself as a house for more work
Employers' President Dr. Rainer Dulger on the new Federal Minister of Labour Bärbel Bas:
The Federal Ministry of Labor must now see itself as a house for more work
Berlin, May 5, 2025: "The new Federal Minister of Labor Bärbel Bas comes from the Ruhr region - she knows what work means. That is a good prerequisite for a successful term in office.
From now on, the Federal Ministry of Labor must see itself as a house for more work. Above all, we need a return to the foundations of the social market economy - the focus here is on work as an economic driver. Most recently, the BMAS was primarily concerned with the framework conditions for less work or no work.
We expect Bärbel Bas to make a clear commitment to social partnership. Wage policy belongs in the hands of the collective bargaining partners. We assume that the Minimum Wage Commission can do its work calmly and diligently without calls from the sidelines.
The high level of social benefits is pushing the state's contribution rate towards the 50% mark - this acts like a punitive tax on labor in Germany. The constantly rising non-wage labor costs are a burden for employees and employers alike. Far-reaching reforms to the social security systems are therefore unavoidable, as Friedrich Merz recently emphasized.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs must once again take on its traditional role as an advocate for the economy, also in relation to the Ministry of Labor. I not only expect this, I also believe that the new management is capable of it.
I expressly welcome the fact that Verena Hubertz, a former entrepreneur, is taking over the Ministry of Building and Housing. It is a good signal that there are now business leaders at the head of three institutions.
More business management thinking can only do the new federal government good. It has a lot of work ahead of it. We wish the government every success and, as social partners, will be happy to help shape constructive and realistic policies."
