In the run -up to the upcoming decision of the minimum wage commission, the trade association Germany (HDE) urgently warns of a noticeable increase in the statutory minimum wage. According to a current survey of around 550 trading companies of all sizes and industries, two thirds of the respondents expect negative effects on employment – many even with concrete job cancellations.
“In the third year of recession in a row, in the third year of recession, in the face of close margins and low reserves, further cost increases can no longer be shouldered,” emphasizes HDE President Alexander von Preen. It has been particularly critical that numerous large companies now expect falling employment – this would end up with the years of increasing number of employees in retail. The HDE therefore speaks for a suspension of the planned minimum wage adjustment.
In addition to the direct increase in wages in the lower area, the association sees additional effects through necessary adjustments in collective remuneration systems. “An increase in the minimum wage also requires the protection of wage distances to higher pay groups. This mechanism significantly potentiates the financial pressure on the companies,” said von Preen. In this context, 84% of the companies surveyed fear internal tensions due to the lack of differentiation options for simple activities.
Another stress factor is increasing social security contributions. According to the HDE survey, 92% of companies see a clear upper limit. In view of the economic situation and the tense labor cost structure, an excessive demand must be avoided by personnel -intensive industries such as retail.
The HDE advocates maintaining the independence of the minimum wage commission. Political influence should not increase further. “Wages and salaries must not become a game ball party -political interests – the endangered collective bargaining, employment and competitiveness,” said von Preen. Tariff autonomy should be maintained – also with a view to the constitutionally protected role of the social partners.
