3G in the workplace: in search of consensus

The traffic light parties want to introduce 3G in the workplace. It’s about more security – but also more pressure on unvaccinated people. However, a corresponding draft law by the Ministry of Labor leaves many questions unanswered.

Italy has been regulating it this way for a month: access to the company only for those who have been vaccinated, those who have recovered or who have been tested. And what Italy can do, Germany is now also planning. “This includes that we consistently enforce 3G in the companies,” said Labor Minister Hubertus Heil on ZDF and knew that the trade unions with DGB boss Reiner Hoffmann at his side. “The 3G regulations are suitable measures for protection at work in order to limit the course of the pandemic,” said Hoffmann. “It is urgently needed.”

Implementation unclear

So far, so agreed. However, although time is of the essence, there are still many unanswered questions. What about penalties if someone does not want to be vaccinated or tested? Marius Mühlhausen, spokesman for the labor minister, does not want to commit yet. “It is absolutely correct that there are rules and that it must be ensured that these rules are adhered to. How exactly this will be designed in the future remains to be seen,” said Mühlhausen.

In a first draft of the Ministry of Labor, the ARD capital studio there is talk of fines. For employer president Rainer Dulger, the solution is, he told the “Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung”: Those who do not work for the reasons mentioned do not receive any wages.

“The Federal Labor Minister has to make it clear once again what the consequences are. And I believe that it goes beyond the cut in salaries,” said Green parliamentary leader Katrin Göring-Eckardt. Possibly a warning or termination.

Italy as a model

Italy imposes fines for employers who do not control and for employees who come to work without proof – up to 1500 euros. Those who do not work because of this can expect unpaid leave.

Then there is the question of the data. So far, the Ministry of Labor has pointed out that health information such as vaccination status is subject to special protection and that the employer cannot simply record and save it. Well then. Ministry spokesman Mühlhausen suggests the solution for this change of direction. “There is a qualitative difference: that the future regulations now have to be made in infection protection and not in labor law.”

Employers and unions at odds

This is to take into account an exceptional situation called a pandemic. But does this also require employees to be obliged to provide information? Yes, say the employers. No, the unions.

From within the opposition, the left at least supports compulsory testing, says party leader Janine Wissler. “I would see it in the same way as in schools. If you oblige children to have themselves tested regularly, then this can also be expected of employees where home office is not possible. That is necessary and that an employer has to enforce,” said Wissler.

However, if Wissler had his way, everyone should be tested – including those who have been vaccinated and those who have recovered. There are also unanswered questions: Does testing belong to working hours? And who pays for it? A lot of work for the traffic light groups, who want to bring the new Infection Protection Act through the Bundestag on Thursday and through the Bundesrat on Friday.