Minimum wage setting must remain a matter for the social partners
On the occasion of the introduction of the minimum wage ten years ago, BDA Managing Director Steffen Kampeter explains:
Minimum wage setting must remain a matter for the social partners
Berlin, December 30, 2024: "Ten years of minimum wage - that also means ten years of conscientious compromise between the social partners in the Minimum Wage Commission.
Setting the minimum wage must remain a matter for the social partners in the future.
In the past, the Minimum Wage Commission has made responsible decisions for competitiveness, employment protection and job security. It has based its decisions on collective wage agreements in all sectors. If these were higher, the minimum wage increased. If these were lower due to poor economic development, the adjustment was also lower within the framework of the statutory requirements - as was the case with the last minimum wage adjustment.
However, if politicians once again opt for political wage setting, they should officially declare the anniversary event the funeral of the Minimum Wage Commission. It would then be pointless and superfluous.
The German employers, on the other hand, are ready for the Commission to continue its mission with determination and, above all, independence. In June 2025, the Commission will make its next decision on adjusting the statutory minimum wage for 2026 and 2027. Trust is needed in the successful processes. The new EU Minimum Wage Directive does not require any legal adjustments to the minimum wage either: the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs has confirmed this itself."
