Daniel Stelter: Der Mindestlohn wird zum Standortkiller – vor allem im Osten
Der nächste Sprung auf 14,60 Euro könnte dort Arbeitsplätze und Betriebe gefährden, wo die Wirtschaft ohnehin ums Überleben kämpft. Ein Gastbeitrag.
Daniel Stelter's recent article argues that the minimum wage is becoming a "standortkiller" or site killer, particularly in Eastern Germany. The policy of raising the minimum wage, though well-intentioned, has proven to have mixed results, with the exact impact often difficult to quantify. The introduction of the minimum wage in 2015, from 8.50 to 13.90 euros per hour, led to a much faster increase (41.2% compared to 21.7% for the general wage level) by 2023, according to the Institute for Employment and Labor Research.
Despite this, negative employment effects were scarcely detected. Only around 76,000 jobs were lost by 2020, mostly in Eastern Germany and in businesses facing high competition. Often, affected employees found jobs in more productive companies, which is positive.
However, skepticism is warranted before the next wage increase to 14.60 euros (plus five percent) on January 1, 2027. The economic situation has worsened in recent years, and negative consequences of the minimum wage may be inadequately reflected in overall economic numbers.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
