Stefan Wolf, head of the employers' association Gesamtmetall, has sparked controversy by suggesting that office workers should retire at 70. Wolf argues that while factory workers can't work until 70, those in office jobs can.

He justifies this proposal as necessary to maintain Germany's competitiveness, stating that more work, not less, is needed.

The retirement age in Germany is currently being gradually raised from 65 to 67 by 2029. Wolf's comments have been met with approval from some economists but fierce criticism from trade unions.

IG Metall board member Hans-Jürgen Urban accused Wolf of ignoring the pressures faced by office workers, citing staff shortages and work intensification.