The German Association of Pension Funds (ABA) has called for a roadmap to increase workplace pension participation to be developed quickly through engagement with social partners.

In a speech at the MetallRente Dialogue Conference, ABA chair, Beate Petry, described the role of social partners as “crucial”, as they understood the needs of employees and companies, and can be responsible architects of tailored pension solutions.

"For 25 years, MetallRente has impressively demonstrated how strong social partners can take on a pioneering role for good company pensions,” she said.

“A roadmap for more company pensions must be developed quickly and by mutual agreement.”

The ABA believed that occupational pension schemes needed targeted improvements to reach more people and provide higher company pensions.

This would include greater flexibility regarding guarantees, easier access to social partner models, and improved support for low-income earners.

Meanwhile, the association called for bureaucracy to be reduced, additional burdens to be avoided, and for the further advancement of the digitisation of workplace pension schemes.

In separate communications with the Federal Ministry of Labour, Petry argued that the dialogue between social parters needed to result in concrete proposals, not just general rhetoric.

“This is how the path must be paved for the urgently needed expansion of company pension schemes by the social partners,” she added.

In its submission for the call for input, Petry said that anyone who wanted improved company pensions and the wider adoption of workplace schemes needed to improve the framework conditions for occupational pensions for everyone.

“The ABA therefore calls for more flexibility in guarantees, including the option to waive guarantees altogether, legally binding further development of company opt-out models, more effective support for low-income earners, less bureaucracy, and a clear boost in digitalisation, including in occupational pension schemes,” she reiterated.

The ABA argued it was essential to reach employees and companies that currently lack adequate access to workplace pensions.

"The ABA is constructively contributing to the dialogue between social partners,” Petry continued.

"Our aim is clear: the dialogue between social partners and the efforts of the legislature must ultimately lead to better framework conditions – simpler, more legally secure, more digital and more effective for more company pension schemes."

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