Berlin
Federal Minister of Labor Hubertus Heil is promising a “significant increase” in the minimum wage at the beginning of next year.
Federal Minister of Labor Hubertus Heil (SPD) expects a “significant increase” in the beginning of next year minimum wage, as the politician revealed in an interview with “Bild am Sonntag”. “Because we not only continue to have high inflation, but also decent ones tariff increaseswhich will be reflected in the forthcoming increase in the minimum wage,” Heil continued.
Minimum wage: Negotiations for a further increase
The minimum wage in Germany is currently at 12 Euro per hour. The traffic light coalition of SPD, Greens and FDP exceptionally raised it by law last year. Before October 1, 2022, it was EUR 10.45.
In view of the high inflation, a dispute about the next minimum wage increase had already flared up last month. Social associations called for a sharp increase 14 Euro and more – employers warned of “unrealistic heights”. The next increase step should now again be the Minimum Wage Commission with representatives of employers and employees. This is to be done by June 30 with effect from January 1, 2024.
Read about this: Minimum wage – social association calls for an increase to 14.13 euros
Minister of Labor Heil also wants to introduce a law by the summer according to which federal contracts may only be awarded to companies that are committed to collective agreements hold. The SPD, Greens and FDP had already agreed in their coalition agreement to strengthen collective bargaining. By June, he and Minister of Economics Robert Habeck (Greens) will present a draft law that stipulates adherence to collective bargaining agreements in the federal government, said Heil. If things go well in the Bundestag, the law should come into force on January 1, 2024.
Post: Parcel carriers should no longer carry heavy parcels
In the interview, Heil announced further adjustments: The working conditions of parcel couriers are to be improved. These alone should not contain packages of more than 20 Kilograms carry. “Parcels that weigh more than 20 kilograms will have to be delivered by two people in the future. This is about the health of people who make our everyday lives easier with their work and keep the country running,” explains the Labor Minister.
Many parcel carriers would herniated discs get, warned Heil. “That’s why I want to ensure that packages that weigh more than 20 kilograms no longer have to be carried by one person alone.” The Verdi services union had also called for such a weight limit. For packages from ten kilograms there should be a labeling obligation in the future, said Heil. “So that the messenger can see what he can expect.”
More on the subject: DHL – Beware of incorrect package announcements via SMS
Heil referred to the great growth of parcel industry. “From 2017 to 2021, the number rose from 2.6 to 4.5 billion packages.” It is also convenient to “buy everything online from your sofa and have it delivered to your front door”. His family also orders online, the minister said. “So I’m benefiting from it and don’t want to criticize it at all. But we also have to deal with the question of what happens to the employees who carry a heavy package to the 5th floor.” (day/dpa)
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