Germany: More than 8,000 business councils are seeking relief for workers

More than 8,000 business councils are seeking further relief due to high energy costs, according to Handelsblatt.

According to IG Metall, more than 8,000 business councils are asking for further relief for employees due to rising energy prices. The measures taken by the federal government so far are not enough, according to an appeal published in Frankfurt.

In the appeal, the workers’ representatives, together with IG Metall, demand a temporary reduction of taxes on electricity and gas, as well as a ceiling on gas prices up to the consumption of 8,000 kilowatt hours. In addition, the basic tax-free amount should be increased to 12,800 euros. This would help low- and middle-income households. In addition, a socially equitable mobility allowance should be introduced.

According to the union, 8,100 business councils had supported IG Metall’s signature campaign. According to IG Metall, they represent 2.4 million employees in more than 3600 companies. IG Metall leader Jörg Hofmann demanded that workers quickly receive further significant help with energy costs. Hofmann also accused speculation of rising prices and called for an end to “rising prices for energy, raw materials and food.”

By the end of March, the SPD, the Greens and the FDP had agreed on a package of measures to ease the energy price burden. There will be flat-rate energy pricing, a reduction in the energy tax on fuel for three months, as well as support for families and low-wage earners. There are also cheap bus and train tickets on local public transport – as well as energy efficiency measures. In February, it was decided that the EEG levy would be abolished prematurely on 1 July 2022, in order to reduce electricity costs.