• Nuclear phase-out will be completed in April
• Increase in wages for painters and varnishers
49-euro ticket available from April 3rd
It has been clear for some time that the 49-euro ticket will be valid from May 1, 2023. In all probability, the necessary law will be passed by the Bundesrat by the end of March. The ticket enables the use of buses and trains in local and regional transport throughout Germany. The 49-euro ticket will be available as a subscription and can be canceled monthly. Tickets can be purchased from April 3rd.
Remaining nuclear power plants will be shut down
There are currently three nuclear power plants in operation in Germany – Isar 2, Neckarwestheim 2 and Emsland. The last remaining nuclear power plants will be taken off the grid by April 15 at the latest, sealing Germany’s exit from nuclear energy. The phase-out of nuclear power was decided after the reactor accident in Fukushima in 2011. The shutdown of the remaining power plants was originally planned by the end of 2022. However, this date has been postponed to April 2023 in light of the current energy crisis.
Current Corona rules expire on April 7th
The validity of the current Corona rules is limited until April 7, 2023. For example, there is currently a nationwide FFP2 mask requirement in clinics, nursing homes and medical practices. The Federal Government is responsible for deciding whether to maintain the nationwide corona protection measures beyond April 7, 2023. The federal states have the right to decide on further measures such as a mask requirement in local public transport.
Painters and decorators receive wage increases
Painters and varnishers in the main trade can look forward to a higher income from April. The current collective agreement in the painting and varnishing trades has been in effect since the beginning of the year and provides for several increases. From April 1, 2023, minimum wage I, which helpers are entitled to, for example, will be EUR 12.50. The minimum wage II increases to 14.50 euros.
Employees in the main construction trade are also entitled to a wage increase. The currently valid collective agreement provides for an increase in wages as of April 1, 2023. While wages in western Germany will rise by two percent, employees in eastern Germany will receive a wage increase of 2.7 percent.
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