The minimum wage commission in Berlin unanimously agreed to a successive increase in the statutory minimum wage in two steps. In 2026, the minimum wage should increase to 13.90 euros per hour. As of January 1, 2027, the second increase of 70 cents will take place to 14.60 euros. In the past few days, the discussion has repeatedly ignited a possible increase to 15 euros.
The minimum wage was only increased at the beginning of the year and has been 12.82 euros gross per hour since January 1, 2025. This means that the lowest wage limit in Germany is 41 cents higher than in 2024.
Minimum wage debate was already led in the election campaign
The decision has been eagerly awaited because the debate about raising the minimum wage has already played an important role in the Bundestag election campaign and has been continued in the past few weeks.
During the election campaign, the SPD and the Greens clearly spoke out for a minimum wage of 15 euros. The Union, on the other hand, emphasized the independence of the minimum wage commission. In the subsequent coalition negotiations, the Union and the SPD finally agreed on a compromise formula: In the coming year, a minimum wage of 15 euros will appear “accessible”. The Commission is now targeting this.
HDE and overall association textile+fashion criticize the decision
In the run -up to the decision, some industries had spoken out against such an increase or advertised to introduce exceptions – for example for seasonal workers.
Representatives of retail and fashion industry are still critical of the increase – although it was now lower than initially feared. The Trade Association of Germany (HDE) criticizes the further increase and is now afraid of “significant job losses in retail”. In a press release, he refers to the economic situation in retail, which “has been in recession or stagnation for six years”. HDE President Alexander von Preen: “The determination of the minimum wage is not a social policy. Jobs have to pay off for employers in the private sector, otherwise they will be lost. The decision of the minimum wage commission is jeopardizing numerous jobs in retail.”
The total association Textil+Mode, on the other hand, sees the risk that the decision of the minimum wage commission can continue to drive companies out of collective bargaining. “This decision has a lasting impact on the collective bargaining contracts in our industry and intervenes in our tariff autonomy. This does not strengthen the tariff bond, but weakened.”
Minimum wage should prevent poverty despite working
The minimum wage is intended to prevent people from slipping into poverty despite work. It has just been published that the number of so -called top -ups in Germany – these are people who have to apply for civil allowance despite working – have increased again for the first time since 2015. This number had been continuously decreased since the statutory minimum wage was introduced in 2015.