Chancellor Scholz calls for higher wages and more openness for foreign skilled workers in East Germany. This is the only way to cover the growing demand, he said at the East German Economic Forum.
Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz has called for a more welcoming culture in view of the shortage of skilled workers. At the East German Economic Forum in Bad Saarow, Brandenburg, it needs to be understood that foreign skilled workers are not only needed, but are really welcome in Germany.
The SPD politician warned that it was “soft factors” in particular that played a role in the states’ and regions’ race for workers. “As an employer, you can contribute to this cosmopolitan Germany. And that’s what I’m asking you to do today.”
skills shortage worried entrepreneur
Scholz pointed out that the shortage of skilled workers is the biggest concern of East German entrepreneurs. “Of course, good wages are a very important location factor when it comes to recruiting skilled workers,” he said. According to a survey, 72 percent of East German companies would name higher wages as a remedy for the shortage of skilled workers.
Still lower wages
However, East Germans still get an average of around 620 euros less wages per month than West Germans, and in some sectors even up to 1,000 euros, Scholz complained. With the “Economic Boom East” that must change. Greater collective agreements, strong trade unions and employers’ associations also increase the attractiveness of a location.
“The Federal Government supports companies in the training and further education of skilled workers,” said the Chancellor. “But the truth is that we will not be able to fill the gap that is opening up in the East in particular with local workers alone.”
Scholz refers to something new immigration law
That is why the federal government wants to create “probably the most modern immigration law in the world”. The Bundestag is currently advising on this – the final vote in the Bundesrat is planned for the beginning of July. Then workers and skilled workers could come to Germany much more easily than before, also to look for a job. But laws and regulations are only one side, said the Chancellor.
“Employees and specialists, especially in future-oriented industries, can now choose where they go. And then the supposedly soft factors are often the decisive factor,” said Scholz. “It won’t fail here in the East because of the beautiful landscape, affordable housing and affordable free schools and daycare places.”
Chancellor recommends expansion into other regions of the world
At the forum, Scholz also recommended that German medium-sized companies get involved in other booming regions of the world in addition to China. China has opened up to world markets and has experienced unbelievable economic growth over the past “30, 40 years”. German companies are also very involved in business in and with China.
“The task now is not to get away from it,” said Scholz, “but the task is to make sure that you are in many other places too”. This applies to the supply chains, for example. The most recent crises have shown that too much dependence on individual companies or regions has been disadvantageous.