German labor union leader Christiane Benner has called on the social partners in the minimum wage commission to find a consensus on the minimum wage for 2026.
Benner, the head of IG Metall, expressed her expectation of an agreement in the commission, stating that it is the right place to implement EU guidelines in a social partnership manner. She is confident that the commission will succeed, despite differing opinions among employers and trade unions.
Benner emphasized that a poverty-resistant minimum wage is a matter of respect for working people, adding that it also boosts purchasing power and stimulates the economy. She rejected the narrative of negative employment effects, citing statistics and current studies.
The commission is set to decide on the new minimum wage by the end of June, with trade unions, the SPD, the Greens and the Left party advocating for an increase to 15 euros per hour.