Scholz Proposes Tying Minimum Wage to General Wage Growth

Chancellor Olaf Scholz suggests linking minimum wage increases to overall wage trends, sparking debate over the role of the independent wage commission.

• Currently set at €12.41, the minimum wage is determined by an independent commission of employers, employees, and academics.
• Scholz's proposal would bypass the commission, aligning minimum wage hikes with the broader rise in wages, which have surged recently.
• The proposal has faced opposition from the FDP, which argues against politicizing the minimum wage and calls for more respect for performance.
• Scholz has previously advocated for a gradual increase of the minimum wage to €15, a position supported by the Greens and trade unions.
• The Chancellor highlighted that German workers logged a record 55 billion hours last year, emphasizing the nation's strong work ethic.

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