Urgent Call for Bold Reforms in DGB Immediately

Urgent Call for Bold Reforms in DGB Immediately

In the heart of Germany, the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) and its European counterparts have been vocal about the need for improvements in the care sector. Anja Piel, a member of the DGB board, was featured prominently in a recent article, advocating for dignified, tailored care that does not lead to poverty.

The DGB has unequivocally stated that cutting expenses and care services is not acceptable, as it risks the impoverishment of those in need of care and their relatives. This stance comes as the federal government grapples with the financial implications of the care sector, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Recent reforms in Germany have seen significant government spending, such as on free COVID-19 testing for care and health workers, which cost about one billion euros per month at its peak. Trade unions, including the DGB, typically advocate for sustained or increased public investment to improve care.

The DGB's call for investment extends beyond financial support. They are pushing for stronger social dialogue and worker representation in decision-making processes, as well as support for retraining and upskilling programs to help workers adapt to new needs and technologies in care.

The need for concrete legislative and policy measures, including gender equality and social protection, is also a priority for the DGB. Given that the care sector is predominantly female, these measures are crucial for ensuring fair treatment and working conditions for care workers.

In a summary table, the proposed reforms by trade unions can be categorised as follows:

| Reform Aspect | Proposed by Trade Unions | Financial Implication | |-------------------------------|--------------------------|--------------------------------------| | Better pay and conditions | Yes | Increased public/employer funding | | Retraining and upskilling | Yes | Investment in education programs | | Social dialogue involvement | Yes | Costs of participation, but long-term gains | | Fraud prevention | Likely | Additional oversight, potentially saving funds long term |

On July 6, 2025, the DGB demanded the reinstatement of the government's subsidy for care. However, the debts of the federal government to the care insurance, amounting to 5.2 billion euros for expenses during the corona pandemic, have been highlighted by the DGB. The federal government must relieve the care insurance of costs for services that do not belong to its core tasks, using tax funds for this purpose.

The Care Commission is expected to present a plan for a care reform that aims for financial security for quality care. The Commission's goal is to initiate a bold reform that ensures quality care is financially secure, with the cap on personal contributions in stationary care being a crucial factor.

Anja Piel, a member of the DGB board, has expressed her support for a universal care insurance, where all care costs are paid by the insurance. This solution is considered the best way to ensure financial security for quality care.

As the Care Commission prepares to present its care reform plan, the DGB's advocacy for investment, social dialogue, and workforce support in care continues to resonate. The goal is to secure a future where those in need of care can receive dignified, tailored care without fear of impoverishment.

1. The DGB emphasizes the importance of improving the care sector, advocating for dignified, tailored care that does not lead to poverty.
2. Anja Piel, a member of the DGB board, advocates for increased public investment to strengthen the care sector.
3. The DGB opposes cuts to care services, as it risks the impoverishment of those in need of care and their relatives.
4. The COVID-19 pandemic has placed significant financial strain on the care sector, requiring substantial government spending.
5. The DGB calls for stronger social dialogue and worker representation in decision-making processes in the care sector.
6. Retraining and upskilling programs for care workers are a priority for the DGB, requiring investment in education programs.
7. Gender equality and social protection measures are crucial for ensuring fair treatment and working conditions for care workers, given the predominantly female composition of the sector.
8. The proposed reforms by trade unions encompass better pay and conditions, retraining and upskilling, social dialogue involvement, and fraud prevention.
9. Increased public/employer funding is necessary for improving pay and conditions within the care sector.
10. Investment in education programs is required to support retraining and upskilling initiatives for care workers.
11. The costs of participation in social dialogue may exist, but long-term gains outweigh these costs.
12. Fraud prevention measures are likely to be proposed, with potential long-term savings.
13. In July 2025, the DGB demanded the reinstatement of the government's subsidy for care services.
14. The federal government's debts to the care insurance, amounting to 5.2 billion euros for expenses during the corona pandemic, have been highlighted.
15. The Care Commission is expected to present a plan for a care reform that aims for financial security for quality care.
16. The cap on personal contributions in stationary care is a crucial factor in the Care Commission's care reform plan.
17. Anja Piel supports a universal care insurance model, where all care costs are paid by the insurance.
18. The universal care insurance model is considered the best way to ensure financial security for quality care.
19. The DGB's advocacy extends to the need for concrete legislative and policy measures, including gender equality and social protection.
20. The care sector is predominantly female, making gender equality measures crucial for ensuring fair treatment and working conditions.
21. Social protection measures are essential for those in need of care to avoid impoverishment.
22. Other medical conditions, such as chronic diseases, cancer, respiratory conditions, and digestive health issues, are also important considerations within the care sector.
23. Eye health, hearing, mental health, skin care, neurological disorders, and autoimmune disorders are some of the health concerns that fall under the umbrella of care.
24. Men's health, sexual health, and environmental science are additional areas that require attention within the care sector.
25. Fitness and exercise, nutrition, and weight management are essential components of overall health and wellness, playing a role in the care sector.
26. Aging and women's health are important aspects of care, particularly in light of the predominantly female workforce within the sector.
27. Parenting and climate change are external factors that affect the care sector, requiring proactive strategies to account for these challenges.
28. Industry, finance, cybersecurity, lifestyle, fashion and beauty, food and drink, investing, wealth management, home and garden, business, personal finance, technology, artificial intelligence, relationships, pets, travel, cars, books, shopping, social media, movies and TV, and entertainment are diverse sectors that intersect with the care sector in various ways.

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