Public Wage Finding versus Collective Bargaining Autonomy (original publication German only)

The author discusses the question how approaches of a national minimum wage are compatible with the collective bargaining autonomy applicable in Germany. He notes that a large coalition of politicians and social groups want to establish a national minimum wage at the expense of collective bargaining autonomy and freedom of association due to different motives. He points out that the intended amendment to the Minimum Working Conditions Act from the time of Ludwig Erhard runs counter to the original construction of the law, as it could cause damage to employment in the future unlike in the past.

Kiel Institute Expert