SPD Insists on Fine to Spur Apprenticeships

Despite angry criticism from the business community and even from within its own ranks, the ruling Social Democratic Party remains determined to introduce fines for companies that don't offer enough apprenticeships. SPD deputy parliamentary group leader Nicolette Kressl said over the weekend that parliamentarians had decided to draft a bill by the end of March. Within the SPD, Economics Minister Wolfgang Clement has been a vocal opponent of issuing companies fines. Instead, Clement has that the government should find solutions to the apprenticeship deficit that are voluntary.