IHK Ostbrandenburg criticises relief bonus as anti-business
In the view of the IHK Ostbrandenburg, the federal government's decision that employees can also receive a bonus of up to 1,000 euros as part of the relief package is detrimental to companies in its proposed form.
"This is a decision at the expense of third parties, namely our companies. They are supposed to pay the bonus without receiving any counter-financing," explains Carsten Christ, President of the East Brandenburg Chamber of Industry and Commerce. "We have been in crisis mode economically since 2020. Company insolvencies are at their highest level for 20 years. The first signs of an upturn have now been severely dampened by the war in Iran. This means that many companies simply no longer have any reserves from which they can finance the bonuses desired by politicians. At the same time, employees are now queuing up to see their bosses, because employees now think that the employer has to pay the bonus."
This means that internal conflicts are pre-programmed in an already complicated time.
"The fact that politicians are completely misjudging the issue is exemplified by the current statement from the Federal Ministry of Finance, according to which employees would be strengthened by the relief bonus. The fact is, however, that companies will be weakened," says Carsten Christ.
Instead of providing scope for necessary investments and market adjustments, politicians are further restricting companies' room for manoeuvre with the relief premium. The premium is to be paid free of tax and contributions. Nevertheless, it must also be paid by the employer.
The IHK Ostbrandenburg is the largest organisation representing the interests of the economy between Schwedt and Eisenhüttenstadt, between Berlin and the Oder river.