Germany: Angela Merkel’s CDU is ready to break the taboo on universal minimum wage

Wages defined by the social partners.  Until now, the idea of universal minimum wage being introduced in Germany before the end of the Merkel administration in 2013 seemed completely unreal.  At their Conference in Leipzig on November 14-15, its members will have to vote a motion providing for the introduction of universal minimum wage “in sectors where the social partners have not collectively-agreed on minimum wage.”  Approved by the Chancellor, this motion nevertheless adds that minimum wage shall not be determined by the government or by the Parliament but by a Committee composed of representatives from the Confederation of German Trade Unions (DGB) and from the Confederation of German Employers’ Associations (BDA).  It should be in line with minimum wage as negotiated by the temporary social partners, i.e. €7.79/hour in western Germany and €6.89/hour in the east. 
Enjoy this article for free while you’re in your trial period
You have access to our content for 1 month.

ctors where the social partners have not collectively-agreed on minimum wage.” Approved by the Chancellor, this motion nevertheless adds that minimum wage shall not be determined by the government or by the Parliament but by a Committee composed of representatives from the Confederation of German Trade Unions (DGB) and from the Confederation of German Employers’ Associations (BDA). It should be in line with minimum wage as negotiated by the temporary social partners, i.e. €7.79/hour in wester

…
Do you have information to share with us?
What you absolutely must read this week
The essential content of the week selected by the editorial team.
See all
US: NLRB facilitates disciplinary action against staff representatives
The news. In a decision dated 23 September, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) endorsed a shift in approach to disciplinary sanctions applied to elected US union representatives. Under...
Denmark: government aims to tighten regulations against asbestos test fraud
The news. Ane Halsboe-Jørgensen, Minister for Employment and Gender Equality, presented a bill on 28 September aimed at “putting an end” to asbestos test fraud. The text...
EU: MEPs call for an obligation to assess psychosocial risks
The news. On 6 September, Members of the European Parliament approved the Employment Committee’s report on psychosocial risks by 413 votes to 210. While the Commission is preparing an...
France: 2027 draft budget plans further crackdown on sick leave
Reducing the French Social Security deficit from €22.6 billion to €12.7 billion is one of the main objectives of the draft budget for 2027, adopted by the Cabinet on 1 October. "Corrective...
6 October 2026
Most viewed articles of the month on mind HR
What readers clicked on the most last month.
What readers clicked on the most last month.
1
AI: uneven integration but a global challenge for the world of work
The adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in business is profoundly transforming the world of work, and some occupations are now under threat. However, the full extent of its effects remains...
2
France: Ministry of Labour unveils plan to accelerate the rollout of AI
On 22 September, the French Ministry of Labour presented a plan named Impulsion IA 2027 aimed at accelerating the adoption of AI by companies and employees. It contains 12 measures applicable from...
3
Netherlands: towards a ban on housing cost deductions from migrant workers’ wages
The news. On September 10, Dutch Minister of Social Affairs and Employment Hans Vijlbrief (centre-left) sent a letter to the House of Representatives, stating that he intends to prohibit employers...
4
Germany: AfD victory in Saxony-Anhalt raises concerns over labour supply and workplace cohesion
The rise of Germany’s far-right AfD, which could soon gain influence over migration policy in Saxony-Anhalt and, following elections on September 20, in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania as well, is...
5
UE: Commission proposes measures to facilitate “fair” worker mobility across the Union
The info. On 15 September, the European Commission adopted a series of measures aimed at encouraging “fair” worker mobility within the EU. It wants to remove the administrative...
6
Denmark: introduction of a professional ID card for construction site workers
The news. On 3 September, the Danish Parliament adopted a bill introducing a mandatory professional ID card for people working on large construction sites. The card will include, among other...