IGBCE Chief Proposes 3-Year Unemployment Benefits for Older Workers

Vassiliadis wants to triple unemployment benefits for older workers. He believes this will give them more time to find new jobs and maintain their standard of living.

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2025 October 21 . 4:01 PM

1 min read

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Trade Union Chief Calls for Extended Unemployment Benefits - IGBCE Chief Proposes 3-Year Unemployment Benefits for Older Workers

Michael Vassiliadis, the long-serving chairman of the Industrial Union for Mining, Chemicals, and Energy (IG BCE), has proposed extending unemployment benefits for older workers. At the recent IGBCE congress in Hannover, attended by over 400 delegates, Vassiliadis suggested that workers over 50 with at least 20 years of contributions should be entitled to at least 36 months of benefits.

Vassiliadis argued that older workers, who often face more difficulties in finding new jobs, deserve longer support. Currently, unemployment benefits in Germany last for a maximum of 12 months, with gradual increases for workers aged 50 and above. Vassiliadis proposed that these benefits should be extended to 36 months for eligible workers. He also suggested that protected assets for older workers should remain untouched even if they need means-tested assistance.

The congress also marked Vassiliadis' re-election for another four-year term as IGBCE leader. Securing 95% of the delegates' votes, he will continue to lead the union for his fifth term, having held the position since 2009.

Vassiliadis' proposal aims to provide more security to older workers facing unemployment. The extension of benefits could help them maintain their standard of living and have more time to find new employment. The IGBCE, under Vassiliadis' leadership, will continue to advocate for the rights of its members in the coming years.