German Debate Intensifies Over Proposal to Withhold Pay for First Sick Days

A proposal to introduce unpaid sick days to reduce absenteeism faces criticism from politicians, businesses, and labor advocates.

FDP politician Carl-Julius Cronenberg supports a proposal to extend unpaid sick days to three, diverging from his party's official stance.
The proposal, originally suggested by Allianz CEO Oliver Bäte, aims to address high rates of sick leave and reduce business costs.
Critics, including labor advocates and some business leaders, argue that such measures erode trust between employers and employees and could harm workforce morale.
The FDP has instead proposed incentivizing consistent attendance through tax-free bonuses for employees without sick days in a given month.
Historical context highlights past failures to implement similar policies, with opposition from unions and political factions remaining strong.