Germany eyes tough sick leave rules, warns four-day week threatens economy

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Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz is considering reducing worker wages from the first sick day taken, aiming to cut Europe's highest absenteeism rate. German workers average 14.8 sick days yearly, costing companies €82 billion annually. Proposed reforms include pay reductions and bonuses for employees taking five or fewer sick days. Merz argues increased work output is essential for economic stability.

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