By Michael Sauerbier
Now it has been decided: Brandenburg’s SPD, CDU and Greens do not want to forego higher salaries for MPs again. However, the state government does not plan to increase the minimum wage for public contracts.
Since May, companies have had to pay an hourly wage of at least 13 euros if they want a Brandenburg government contract. One euro more than the German minimum rate. The Left demanded 14 euros on Thursday. But Economics Minister Jörg Steinbach (SPD) refused: “We are waiting for the minimum wage commission’s proposals in December.”
Brandenburg is also still hesitant about the promised linking of public contracts to good collective wages. This already exists in Berlin. Steinbach: “We are waiting for the draft law from Federal Labor Minister Heil in the fourth quarter. We will then implement it as quickly as possible.” The regulation must be legally secure and easy to control.
AfD parliamentary group leader Hans-Christoph Berndt does not want a higher minimum wage Photo: picture alliance/dpa
The AfD rejected tariffs and a higher minimum wage. According to the right-wing party, there is no need for unions, but there is a need for fewer taxes for entrepreneurs. Parliamentary group leader Hans-Christoph Berndt claimed: “Many would be willing to give up more money for a positive image of their own people.“
“They want to take money away from people rather than give them money,” stated Minister Steinbach. “The AfD is also suing against free daycare centers and against supporting hospitals so that they don’t collapse!”
Unlike the minimum wage, MPs’ diets will increase from January: from 8,900 to 9,300 euros – on the same scale as general wages and material costs (+4.4%). AfD, Left and Free Voters had called for the waiver, as in the Corona years.
The SPD, CDU and Greens voted with a majority against a third diet stop. Steeven Bretz (CDU): “Thanks to the zero rounds in 2021 and 2022, we have an annual increase of 1.9 percent throughout the entire electoral period.“