Medical Groups Say New German Work Rule Is 'Madness'

German citizens and medical groups are outraged by a new government rule requiring workers to see a doctor the moment they call in sick. Chancellor Friedrich Merz's coalition has agreed to require employees to present a medical certificate on the first day of illness, rather than the fourth day as is now required, and scrap the option to obtain one by phone, a Covid-era measure, the BBC reports. Merz argues the policy—part of a broader package of tax, labor, and pension reforms meant to boost the economy—is needed because "exorbitant" levels of sick leave are a drag on competitiveness.

Research from the Berlin-based IGES Institute indicates German workers now average 19.5 sick days per year, up from 13 in 2018, though some of the increase may be tied to better reporting, per Deutsche Welle. Medical associations argue the plan will only create more problems, clogging waiting rooms and spreading infections. One group said it "bordered on madness." There's also been uproar on social media, with users labeling the policy "absolutely ridiculous" and questioning the strain on an "already overburdened" healthcare system, per Extra.ie. Within the coalition, Social Democrat leaders are already signaling second thoughts, per the BBC.