Both the Federal Government and the Federal Minister of Economics and Technology, Peter Altmaier, are aware of the threat: Packages of measures and emergency aid for companies in all sectors and of all sizes are being compiled and released as quickly as possible. As of 23 March, financial aid loans will be available from the KfW Bank, which wants to assume 80 per cent of the default risk.
At the same time and with immediate effect, IG Metall is refraining from demanding further wage increases for employees in the metal and electrical industry this year. Nevertheless, employees will get more vacation days, and even short-term employees will receive additional payments. According to IG Metall, this means that there is now a fundamental planning security.
The employers' association Gesamtmetall, as the umbrella organisation of the regional associations, is meanwhile taking a stand on the government's short-time working regulations: "Gesamtmetall particularly welcomes the coalition's decisions on the short-time working regulations. These are astute and also appropriate to the situation. They help all the affected sectors of industry and thus support job security during the corona crisis", says Dr. Rainer Dulger, President of Gesamtmetall.
In the meantime, VDMA is making demands on politicians. As well as the already implemented short-time working regulations, VDMA is also asking for the deferral of taxes and other charges. Security measures at EU level are also requested. Also the international delivery traffic, which is important for the industry, should be maintained. Not only material but also service personnel and commuters should be able to cross borders.
The association also attaches particular importance to the fact that it does not come to a complete standstill: The supply chains must not be interrupted in Germany, with special emphasis on machines for food production and medical needs. Furthermore, once the pandemic has been overcome, VDMA would like to see a tax reform, a reduction in bureaucracy and a more flexible labour market.