Germany to scrap pension exemption for long‑term construction workers

Construction worker Raimund Franke, who has worked on building sites since his youth, is set to retire at age 67 without pension deductions after completing 45 insurance years. This special pension rule, which allows long‑serving workers in physically demanding jobs to retire early and without reductions, is slated for removal by the German pension commission.

The proposed reform would end the exemption, meaning workers like Franke would lose the benefit of a tax‑free, early retirement and would have to adhere to the standard pension regulations. The change has sparked discussion among trade groups and individuals concerned about the financial and health implications for those in the construction sector.