Germany: government adopts clause ruling out pension cuts

Dynamic compensation. In exchange, the government provides for a compensation system. Thus, as early as 2011, if pension cuts are necessary, subsequent increases will have to be cut by half as long as necessary to make up for the non-realized pension cut. However, according to the government, this new rule shouldn’t be used next year. Indeed, contrary to the main economic institutes, the Grand Coalition still thinks wages are slightly going to increase this year in spite of the crisis and soaring partial unemployment. However, institutes planned a 2% decrease in 2009. Adolf Bauer, president of the German social union (Sozialverband Deutschland - SoVD) strongly criticized this reform, saying that the guarantee offered by the government has a high cost. “It might translate into wage freeze for years.” In 2008, pensions were increased of 1.1% as opposed to 0.54% in 2007. According to the government, on July 1, 2009, they should increase of 2.41% in the west and 3.38% in the east.
Enjoy this article for free while you’re in your trial period
You have access to our content for 1 month.

is going to be cut in 2010 because of the boom in partial unemployment measures and soaring unemployment in 2009. To reassure these retirees, who represent a decisive electoral group, the social-democrat Minister asked its Ministry to extend the “pension protection clause” (Rentenschutzklausel) contained in the social security code (SGB III).

Do you have information to share with us?
What you absolutely must read this week
The essential content of the week selected by the editorial team.
See all
Spain: introduction of sick leave for menopause-related symptoms
The news. As of 1 December, female employees in Spain suffering from an incapacitating condition associated with menopausal symptoms will be eligible for specific sick leave, paid from the very...
Germany: Schaeffler cuts 3,460 jobs and requests temporary wage “solidarity contribution”
The news. On 3 November 2026, German automotive supplier Schaeffler announced a new “earnings improvement programme”, entailing the net reduction of 3,460 jobs in Europe by 2028 (2,660...
UK: government promises human rights due diligence bill
The news. On 4 November, the government promised, through Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds before the House of Lords, the statutory introduction of human rights due diligence in the UK. It...
5 November 2026
UK: new protection measures against “fire and rehire” postponed to March 2027 
On 22 October, the UK government announced the postponement of the coming into force of measures aimed at restricting "fire and rehire" and "redundancy and re-employment", provided for under the...
5 November 2026
Most viewed articles of the month on mind HR
What readers clicked on the most last month.
What readers clicked on the most last month.
1
British bank Barclays cuts 5,000 jobs to invest in AI
Banking group Barclays has announced the cutting of 5% of its global workforce by the end of the year. Beyond disappointing quarterly results, Barclays primarily intends to free up the funds...
2
Germany: non-EU recruitment remains marginal despite skilled immigration reform
The news. Nearly a year and a half after the entry into force of the “Skilled Immigration Development Act”, only 4% of businesses have recruited at least one employee directly from a...
3
EU: several social texts promised for 2027
The news. On 4 November, the European Commission presented its work programme for 2027. While the focus is once again on simplification, several social texts have been announced. The European...