Planned abolition of mini-jobs causes a stir

The abolition of mini-jobs, as proposed by the pension commission, is viewed critically by the skilled trades sector. They argue that mini-jobs are an indispensable tool for flexibility.

The reform of the German pension system has been proposed by the Federal government The appointed commission has presented 33 proposals. These include the abolition of mini-jobs. In the future, they should only be available to students. Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) has announced that he will implement all of the commission's recommendations.

Jörg Dittrich, president of the German Confederation of Skilled Crafts, considers the abolition highly problematic. "Mini-jobs are an indispensable tool for flexibility. They allow businesses to react to fluctuating order volumes, staff shortages, and customer demands. Other solutions are definitely needed to effectively fulfill this function of mini-jobs," he says.

Increase in undeclared work is looming

The building cleaning industry is also unsettled because the government recently proposed unilaterally levying insurance contributions on mini-jobs for the first time, for both long-term care and health insurance, to the detriment of employers. Now, mini-jobs are to be abolished altogether. Wolfgang Molitor, Managing Director of the Federal Association of the Building Cleaning Trade, criticizes the erratic course of the federal government.

"There must be absolutely no further one-sided burden on companies in this area. Especially since a potential capital annuity would increase non-wage labor costs for businesses even further," he demands. He warns that the elimination of mini-jobs would risk an increase in undeclared work or a withdrawal of workers from the labor market.

You might also be interested in:

Craft policy

The skilled trades sector praises the pension reform proposals.

Craft policy

Federal government wants to lower mineral oil tax

Operations management

New Working Time Act: Here's what it contains

Saxon craftspeople reject abolition

"It is therefore of central importance, for example, to provide targeted relief to employees, especially those in the lower income bracket, with regard to taxes and social security contributions, and to finally abolish the tax class combination 3/5." Average personnel costs in the building cleaning sector amount to 85 percent, with the share of mini-jobs being around 30 percent.

The skilled trades sector in Saxony rejects the abolition. Minijobs are an integral part of many craft businesses. Abolishing them would be a debacle for the industry, says Lars Bubnick, managing director of the Saxon Butchers' Guild AssociationMinijobs would allow many people to work flexibly. As long as the Working Time Act remains within its current rigid limits, Bubnick is against abolishing them. 

SHT for flexible working hours

Also the Saxon Crafts Day The German Confederation of Skilled Crafts (SHT) rejects the abolition of mini-jobs. "Businesses depend on these employees," says SHT President Uwe Nostitz. "Almost one in five companies has had to cope with staff reductions in recent weeks." The Confederation advocates instead for more flexible working hours.

DHB now also digital!Simply click here and register for the digital German Crafts Journal (DHB)!