Meanwhile, the trade union federation laments that fewer and fewer young people are being offered permanent jobs after completing their training. What does the business sector say?
DGB demands training offensive ahead of state election - German Unions Push for Reform Amid Labour Shortages and Rising Business Costs
Seven months before the state election, the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) has presented its demands to politicians in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The ten-point catalog ranges from a training offensive to secure skilled labor and active industrial policy to expanding the collective bargaining compliance law and preventing the closure of daycare centers despite declining birth rates.
DGB: Fewer trainees being hired after apprenticeships
"The next state government must do everything possible to promote good working conditions, secure skilled workers, and attract new talent," said Laura Pooth, chair of DGB North. She emphasized the need to strengthen vocational training. In this context, the union federation called for a "solidarity-based training levy" to increase apprenticeship rates. At the same time, Deputy Chair Daniel Taprogge criticized the declining trend of companies hiring trainees after their apprenticeships.
Skilled labor shortage no longer the top concern for businesses
For the business sector, the issue of skilled labor shortages has receded in importance. In the latest economic survey by the state's chambers of industry and commerce, presented in Schwerin, the topic ranked only fifth among the most pressing challenges. When asked about the biggest risks to economic development, nearly 900 participating companies most frequently cited labor costs. Energy and raw material prices came in second, followed by economic policy conditions in third place and domestic demand in fourth.
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