CDU presidium member Jens Spahn has heavily criticized Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s (SPD) minimum wage initiative. “Olaf Scholz must be very desperate, this is the last straw of a declining social democracy,” Spahn told the star. “If the chancellor thinks he can set wages by interview, it shows his contempt for employers and unions.”
Collective bargaining autonomy is an essential element of the social market economy, said the former Federal Minister of Health. “Scholz is breaking his own promise. Because he had promised to politically set the minimum wage at 12 euros once, but from then on he would put it in the hands of the responsible collective bargaining partners. This promise didn’t even last two years.” On Tuesday, Scholz called for a gradual increase in the minimum wage to 15 euros, sparking a debate.
The outrage over the move also continues in business. Ingrid Hartges, general manager of the DEHOGA Federal Association, told the star: “An outbidding competition between the parties regarding the minimum wage level is irresponsible.” We reject any form of government interference. “The Minimum Wage Commission is responsible for wage adjustments and has proven in the past that it is aware of this responsibility,” said Hartges. “We expect that politicians will respect the work of the Minimum Wage Commission. A further government increase in the minimum wage will mean massive increases in personnel costs for the majority of companies and will create strong pressure on the entire wage structure.”
