DEUTSCHLAND UBER ALLES! :

Germany's blueprint for labour reform (BBC, 16 August, 2002)

Unemployment and the economy are the key battlegrounds of Germany's election, and a commission of experts has fuelled the debate by presenting its blueprint for creating more jobs.

Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder has already promised to back the proposals, which he hopes will give him an advantage in next month's election, but it is unclear when they might become law. [...]

Some of the report's more radical suggestions - including plans to cut unemployment benefit - have been watered down following union opposition. [...]

Under the current benefits system, unemployed people can receive 67% of their former salary for up to 32 months and then 57% of their salary for an unlimited period.

That is just freakin' absurd. Why would you do your job if you can get 2/3rds of your salary for not doing it?. Posted by Orrin Judd at August 17, 2002 11:52 AM