Notes on the proposal for a directive on adequate minimum wages: a German perspective

Abstract

The proposal for a minimum wage directive has met with partly harsh criticism in many countries. Lack of EU legal competence is one of the main points contested. The present German Ministry of Labour and Social Security is in favour of the proposal seeing it as a means to strengthen welfare and peace in Europe and to improve overall wage levels. The same is true of the majority of German trade unions, whereas employers’ associations are strictly against this piece of legislation. In legal literature strong opposition can be found as well as voices who support the proposal but recommend amendments with a view to the legal base problem.