FDP proposal: Tax privileges for overtime - solution to a labor shortage?

FDP proposal: Tax privileges for overtime - solution to a labor shortage?

The FDP proposes tax relief for overtime in order to attract more workers. According to current calculations, around 1.3 billion hours of overtime were worked last year, with the majority remaining unpaid. The FDP idea is intended to counteract the labor shortage, but it neglects the complex challenges on the labor market.

Despite the changing working behavior in society, which is increasingly moving towards part-time work and work-life balance, the overall economic volume of work is increasing. It is becoming clear that there is a large shortage of workers, not only in technical professions, but also in areas such as health and education. The high level of sickness and a lack of workers are closely linked and illustrate the current bottlenecks.

The demand for feel-good managers and positive working environments shows that the appreciation and design of working conditions are becoming increasingly important. Part-time workers, especially women, would like to work more, but there is a lack of sufficient care options to enable longer working hours.

The FDP is blocking necessary reforms on the labor market, especially with regard to mini-jobs. Economic efficiency could be increased if mini-jobbers worked full-time - this could significantly alleviate the labor shortage. It is clear that the labor market needs stimulus not only through tax incentives, but also through a holistic reform policy.