We need to talk about how we can create incentives for people to pursue their jobs, said the CDU leader. He gave the example of sick leave over the telephone. This has been in effect since 2021. The Union is pushing for an abolition. Merz announced that he would discuss the issue with his coalition partner, the SPD.
Criticism from other parties
There was clear criticism of the Chancellor’s statements from the SPD, the Greens, the Left and the BSW. Former Health Minister Lauterbach (SPD) told the “Tagesspiegel” that an improvement in sickness rates could be achieved through “preventive medicine,” i.e. through early detection, through an increase in tobacco taxes and other preventative measures – and not through bullying the sick.
Left federal managing director Ehling said that anyone who complains about the high level of sickness should talk about overwork, a lack of staff and sickening working conditions instead of accusing employees of a lack of work ethic. Green Party leader Brantner said economically it was clear that more work needed to be done. What is needed, however, are good general conditions, such as reliable child care. BSW chairman De Masi criticized the Chancellor for placing millions of employees under general suspicion.
The number of sick days has probably also increased due to other recordings
According to figures from the Federal Statistical Office, employees were on sick leave for an average of 14.8 working days in 2024. This is an increase of 3.6 sick days compared to 2021. According to the information, one possible reason is the switch to the digital certificate of incapacity for work. This would record failures more completely.
A study by the health insurance company AOK from the beginning of 2025 also assumes this. Drivers for additional days of absence include respiratory diseases. However, the AOK study saw no signs of systematic abuse when taking sick leave over the telephone.
This message was sent on January 17, 2026 on the Deutschlandfunk program.
