Implemented in 2011, Deutsche Post’s (DP) part-time early retirement model (Altersteilzeit), called the ‘Generation Contract’ has struck a very positive chord with postal workers and it has just been improved upon by Verdi and DP management. From 01 March 2019, DP workers will be able to access the provision as of age 55 instead of 59 currently. Stephan Teuscher, who negotiated Verdi’s 2011 agreement as well as this agreement extension has explained to Planet Labor how the new provisions will work and the advantages for workers carrying out arduous work, who will now be able to significantly slow down the pace of work as they approach the end of their career paths, without having to suffer any disastrous impact on their pensions. Indeed DP’s pension scheme already earned the company the ‘German Economy Innovation Award’ in 2013.
Averting any negative impact on pensions. How does one curtail arduous work, and extend workers’ career lengths as retirement age rises (the legal retirement age is rising gradually from 65 in 2012 to 67 in 2029)? This was the question Deutsche Post (DP) had to deal with in 2011 as its workers underwent earlier ageing and earlier retirement departures than other sectors (c.f. article No. 110497). “At the time we were looking at a model that enabled workers carrying out arduous tasks to work less as they approached the end of their careers, yet without losing out on their pension payments,” recalled Stephan Teuscher, the Verdi negotiator.
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