IHK Saxony warns: Minimum wage increase endangers our economy!

IHK Saxony warns: Minimum wage increase endangers our economy!

In Germany, the increase in the minimum wage is currently being discussed hotly. It is still uncertain whether wages will rise to 15 euros per hour in 2026. While trade unionists clearly pronounce an increase, numerous business representatives warn of the economic consequences of such a step. The Saxon Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK) has clearly spoken out against the planned increase and sees the Saxon economy in an acute crisis that is characterized by increasing energy costs and a declining consumption, as [Blick] (https://www.sachsen/ihk-sachsen----- reported.

Currently the minimum wage is 12.82 euros per hour. An increase to 15 euros would mean an increase of around 17 percent, which would be difficult for many East German companies to be. Max Jankowsky, President of the IHK Chemnitz, is concerned about the economic framework and emphasizes that the German minimum wage is already high in a European comparison. The representatives of politics are also involved in the discussion about raising: the SPD and Greens see a minimum wage of 15 euros as "accessible", while the FDP acts more reserved and wants to wait for the recommendation of the independent minimum wage commission.

different perspectives in the debate

The minimum wage commission has time until the end of June to give a recommendation to the future amount of the minimum wage. Fabian Magerl, general manager of the IHK in Leipzig, has already raised critical voices and described the increase as "economically not reasonable". The concerns of the entrepreneurs are not unfounded: According to a study by the Institute for Labor Market and Vocational Research, 19 percent of the companies expect a decline in their employees if wages should increase to 14 euros, as [Managerblatt] (https://managlatt.de/münfn-lohn-erhung-wirtschafts- und-Politische-debatten/). In East Germany, 25 percent of the companies would even expect serious consequences.

business associations warn of a risk to competitiveness and possible job cuts in smaller and medium -sized companies. Nevertheless, unions advocate raising to strengthen purchasing power and combat poverty. The discussion about the minimum wage remains exciting, while the commission has agreed to orientate not only on the tariff developments, but also on the target value of 60 percent of the median wage of full -time employees, such as Sächsische reported.

an outlook on the future

The financial burden of rising wages in many companies arouses fears of an unstable future. With over 50 percent of the companies that would be directly affected by a possible increase, the situation must be taken seriously. In the joint debate of the traffic light coalition, there is a clear division: While the SPD and Greens want to raise the minimum wage, the FDP remains skeptical.

The topic around the minimum wage will continue to remain a central topic in German politics and business in the future. The opinion of the minimum wage commission, which is expected at the end of June, will be decisive for which direction this discussion will continue and how the economic framework will develop. With regard to the upcoming decisions, the debate will certainly not be quieter.