Entrepreneur Wolfgang Grupp has spoken out in favor of an automatic link between retirement and life expectancy. “As we get older, we also have to work longer,” said the former Trigema boss in the dpa interview.
His suggestion: Anyone who was born later and statistically lives longer should work longer. If life expectancy increases, working hours must also increase accordingly, said the 84-year-old.
Political discussion is missing
Grupp criticized the fact that this “logic” was hardly discussed politically. It cannot be the case that you simply get a pension for longer and longer. As a consultant, even at the age of 84, he is still in the office every day.
In 55 years he has never introduced short-time work and has not fired any employees for economic reasons. Even in crises like the pandemic, he stuck to guaranteed jobs and wages. There have always been problems – the key is to solve them quickly.
He always makes decisions quickly, based on his gut, and makes corrections when necessary. He hasn’t regretted any of it yet. “The worst thing is not being able to decide.”
Grupp senior is considered one of the most prominent and colorful merchants in Germany. He became known through iconic television commercials. In it, a chimpanzee in a white shirt and black tie – disguised as a news anchor – advertised the medium-sized company’s T-shirts and sweatshirts.
Trigema produces underwear, leisure and sportswear and advertises that it is 100 percent ‘Made in Germany’. At the beginning of 2024, Grupp vacated the leadership position and handed over management to his son and daughter. Both children had previously worked for the company.