Germany weighs the future of minijobs
Germany's popular minijob system allows millions of workers, including students, to avoid paying income tax or social security contributions. But a reform is on the cards that may soon end this advantage.
Anahita Abdollahi, a 26-year-old master's student from Iran, works as a part-time librarian at the University of Cologne's physics library. She enjoys her job but finds it tedious at times, such as inventory tasks. Minijobs, a form of part-time employment in Germany, pay up to €603 (around $685) monthly and don't require social insurance contributions or income tax as long as the employee earns below that amount.
Most minijobbers are women, making up around 57% of all minijobbers, which critics argue perpetuates gender inequality in the job market. The government is contemplating eliminating minijobs in their current form, which could impact Abdollahi and other minijobbers who earn up to €130 less per month. Supporters of the reform claim it would benefit the pension system and reduce poverty risks, while opponents argue that minijobs provide flexibility for businesses and additional labor potential.
Written by urgent.news from DW News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
