East-West Disparities Persist 30 Years After German Reunification
Three decades after German reunification, disparities in the workplace between East and West Germany persist. The United Launch Alliance (ULA) President, Roland Angst, has highlighted these issues, calling for continued efforts to bridge the gap.
Currently, East Germans hold only 4.0 percent of economic leadership positions, with just 12.1 percent of executives hailing from the East. Despite some progress, the proportion of East German executives has remained largely stagnant in recent years. Substantial structural differences continue to exist, particularly in the world of work.
These disparities extend to various industries, where different tariffs and framework conditions apply to East and West German employees. Full-time employees in the East earn around 21 percent less than their Western counterparts. Additionally, childcare rates for children under three years old are higher in the East, leading to distinct gender roles and working time models.
Roland Angst, President of ULA, warns that genuine unity can only be achieved by acknowledging and actively addressing these differences. He will participate in German Unity Day celebrations and engage in dialogue with decision-makers to push for further integration.
ULA, along with Roland Angst, urges ongoing efforts to reduce inequalities and harness the potential of all regions and employees. With significant disparities still present thirty-five years after reunification, it is crucial to take serious action to shape a more united Germany.
