Barnim plans compulsory work for citizens' benefit recipients - SPD protest!

The Barnim district in Brandenburg is planning to introduce a work requirement for recipients of citizens' benefit. This proposal is based on similar measures in Schwerin and could have far-reaching consequences for those affected. The CDU in the Barnim district council, led by parliamentary group leader Daniel Sauer, intends to submit a draft resolution in March. This obligation should apply to all unemployed people who receive citizenship benefit, not just asylum seekers.

Sauer is optimistic and sees good chances of a majority in the district council, especially through the support of the AfD. The CDU has 12 votes, while the AfD has 14 votes in the district council. Critics, including the SPD and the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB), are already expressing strong concerns about the proposal.

Criticism of the obligation to work

Katja Karger, chairwoman of the DGB Berlin-Brandenburg, described the proposal as unspeakable and populist. She emphasizes that the majority of citizens' benefit recipients are not unemployed, but are not available for the labor market for various reasons, such as caring for relatives, raising children, illness or training. Karger also points out that forced labor is prohibited in Germany.

The current situation in Brandenburg shows that over 31,000 employees are dependent on citizens' money. This includes almost 13,000 people who work full-time but still need to top up because their income is not enough. Ulrike Mauersberger from the CDU parliamentary group describes the current situation as incomprehensible and demands compensation for services. In contrast, the SPD in the district is committed to long-term jobs for refugees and the unemployed that are subject to social security contributions and criticizes the CDU's initiative as election campaign noise.

Karger also calls for combating the causes of the need for citizens' money by ensuring good work, living wages and more collective bargaining. The proposal from the Barnim CDU corresponds to the demands of the federal CDU for a nationwide work requirement for those receiving basic security.