A prominent voice within the European Union’s parliamentary group is now calling for a drastic overhaul of Germany’s “Minijob” system, sparking a renewed debate about the future of the country’s social safety net. Stefan Nacke, chairman of the workers’ group within the EU parliamentary faction, argues that the system, initially conceived as a simple means of legalizing small, occasional jobs, has morphed into a detrimental structural flaw undermining the very foundations of the German social state.
Nacke, whose workers’ group commands significant parliamentary weight – nearly three times the size of a recently vocal reformist caucus – contends that millions are now trapped in a “Minijob trap” a precarious situation diverting them from standard, social security-supported employment. What began as a well-intentioned measure has evolved into a parallel labor market, operating outside established social order and eroding the social insurance system.
“What was designed as an uncomplicated aid has today become a parallel world of work which undermines the foundations of our social state” Nacke stated in an interview with “Süddeutsche Zeitung”. He warns that individuals spending their working lives in Minijobs risk facing destitution in retirement, dismissing the situation not as accidental but as a fundamental design error.
The prevalence is staggering: between six and eight million people now hold Minijobs, transforming what was once an anomaly into the norm, particularly within sectors like hospitality, retail and cleaning. The seemingly advantageous “gross equals net” compensation model, while appealing, is deemed “unsocial” effectively shifting the financial burden of social security – covering illness, old age and unemployment – onto the broader public. This, in turn, leads to diminished social insurance revenue and increased reliance on basic social assistance.
Nacke’s proposal isn’t merely a minor adjustment; he advocates for a return of Minijobs to their original purpose – a temporary solution for students or retirees, not a substitute for regular employment. He calls for concrete legislative changes leading towards the phasing out of Minijobs as a permanent form of work, emphasizing the necessity for transitional periods and socially responsible models to accommodate the shift.
The core message is clear: “Whoever works must be socially secure”. The long-term objective is a systematic transition of Minijobs into standard employment, ensuring fair contributions, legally mandated rights and genuine opportunities for advancement. The debate now centers on the political feasibility of such a significant restructuring and the broader implications for Germany’s evolving employment landscape.