The Social Democratic Party opposes the Christian Democratic Union's proposal to abolish sick leave issued over the phone.
Germany’s ruling coalition is divided after the CDU proposed scrapping telephone-issued sick notes, a move strongly opposed by its partner, the SPD.
Dirk Wiese, parliamentary secretary of the SPD, defended the current system, saying sick notes issued by phone “make perfect sense.” He argued they reduce pressure on doctors’ offices and help prevent infections in crowded waiting rooms. Instead of abolishing the rule, he said the government should focus on tackling the abuse of online-issued sick certificates.
Under current regulations, patients already known to a medical practice and experiencing only mild symptoms can receive a sick note by telephone for up to five days. Any extension requires an in-person visit. The rule was initially introduced to ease administrative burdens and limit unnecessary contact, particularly during health crises.
Delegates from the Christian Democratic Union backed a motion at their party convention over the weekend to end tele-sick notes. They argued that making sick leave easier to obtain encourages what they described as “bedside decisions,” with employees calling in sick too quickly and without sufficient medical oversight.
CDU leader and Chancellor Friedrich Merz has repeatedly expressed concern over what he sees as high levels of sick leave in Germany. Meanwhile, Health Minister Nina Warken confirmed that the regulation will now be reviewed, signaling that changes to the system could be on the table.
The debate highlights growing tensions within the coalition government as it balances workplace productivity concerns with public health protections and patient convenience.