German coalition’s plan to tighten sick‑note rules aims to cut absenteeism while Merz argues employees need not see a doctor on the first day of illness
Executive summary: The German coalition announced plans to reduce sick‑leave absences by tightening the rules for issuing sick notes, and CDU leader Friedrich Merz publicly defended the AU‑Pflicht, saying employees do not need to see a doctor on the first day of illness. Lower absenteeism could reduce labor costs for firms and improve productivity, but stricter certification may increase administrative burdens for doctors, HR departments, and insurers, and could provoke resistance from unions and workers. The federal coalition government (SPD‑Green‑FDP), CDU/CSU leader Friedrich Merz, employer associations, labor unions, medical practitioners, and private‑sector firms across industries. Legislative drafts will be debated in the Bundestag, stakeholder consultations will continue, and if passed the new rules are expected to take effect within the next six months, pending possible legal challenges.
The governing coalition intends to lower corporate sick‑leave rates by tightening the criteria for issuing Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigungen. Chancellor‑candidate Friedrich Merz defended the AU‑Pflicht, stating that workers are not obliged to visit a physician on the first day of sickness. The proposal reflects a broader effort to reduce absenteeism‑related costs for employers, though it raises questions about potential administrative hurdles and employee pushback. Implementation details remain under discussion, with legislative action expected in the coming weeks.
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