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The test summit planned for Friday afternoon by the federal government and the leading associations of the German economy has been canceled at short notice, according to information from WELT.
The decision of the federal government is causing confusion among business associations.
The top-level discussion should be about a contribution by the company to the planned expansion of the corona tests.
Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) has made this process a top priority.
The federal government wants to stipulate that companies have to have their employees tested.
The economy rejects compulsory testing for several reasons.
The trade unions are also critical of such an obligation.
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“The economy has made a constructive and practicable offer to expand test capacities.
It involves all companies - regardless of size and industry - in economically difficult times.
Politicians still need advice - you can understand that well with this important topic, "said a spokeswoman for the Confederation of German Employers' Associations (BDA) WELT.
“We are still ready to support politics as far as we can.
This is an expression of our responsibility to society as a whole. ”The BDA coordinates the associations in talks with the federal government.
An initial discussion between politics and business on Tuesday did not lead to a consensus.
A crucial component for loosening lockdowns is an expansion of corona tests.
The federal government wants to give everyone in the country a free weekly test.
The companies should test their employees on their own and bear the costs.
Source: WORLD infographic
The economy is defending itself against this: It is not possible for companies to set up a test structure for the around 40 million employees.
Corporations like Volkswagen already have their own test strategy;
However, compulsory testing is a challenge, especially for small and medium-sized companies.
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In addition, the associations argue that according to previous knowledge, the number of infections is manageable.
Finally, there are legal concerns about mandatory testing.
Because that would mean that employees would have to be tested, i.e. would have to allow an intervention on their body in the case of stick tests.
And that cannot be legally regulated by means of an ordinance.
Despite the resistance from the business community, it cannot be assumed that the federal government will give up on the matter.
The SPD in particular is exerting great pressure to ensure that companies are committed.
Federal Finance Minister and SPD candidate for Chancellor Olaf Scholz had reminded business representatives in the round on Tuesday of the “bazooka” for the economy and billions of euros in government aid.
Now it's the company's turn.
The parliamentary managing director of the SPD parliamentary group, Carsten Schneider, had made it clear: “An obligation on the part of business to test the workforce is the least I expect.
We close the schools, but let production continue even in lockdown.
It must be possible to test the employees at least once a week.
At his own expense. ”He assumes that the business representatives are clear about these expectations and their social obligations.
First corona rapid tests for self-application in stores from Saturday
An announced test offensive should help in the fight against Covid-19, but so far people have mainly been asking questions.
The free offer from the federal government does not yet exist.
Instead, the first tests will be available to buy in supermarkets, discounters and drug stores.
Source: WORLD / Max Seib