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Appler, Felix, Christine Aumayr-Pintar & Carlos Vacas‑Soriano (2025): Minimum wages in 2025. Annual review. (Eurofound research report / European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions), Luxembourg, 74 S. DOI:10.2806/6315456

Abstract

"2024 was an eventful year for minimum wage regulations in most EU Member States, as the EU Minimum Wage Directive had to be transposed into national legislation by mid November. Therefore, the regular discussions on setting rates for 2025 were sometimes overshadowed by discussions regarding the required adaptations to national regulations. Most countries managed to transpose the directive by the deadline or with a short delay but still within the year. However, in a few countries, the full transposition was still pending as of mid-March 2025. This year’s edition of the annual review on minimum wages provides a comprehensive overview of recent developments. The first two chapters present the usual summaries of how national minimum wages (and collectively agreed minimum wages in countries without a national minimum wage) were set and developed for 2025. Chapter 3 focuses on the new minimum wage regulations, providing a comparative analysis of how Member States with statutory minimum wages have implemented various articles and aspects of the directive. It examines the indicative reference values adopted, the consultative bodies designated or set up, criteria that wage-setters are required to consider when uprating, approaches to variations in minimum wages and measures to promote collective bargaining. Chapter 4 focuses on minimum wage earners and their ability to afford housing, based on analysis of the latest data from the European Union Statistics on Income and Living Conditions (EU-SILC). Furthermore, this report is accompanied by two related Eurofound working papers. The first presents three country examples of how Member States have approached their adequacy assessments in the context of the Minimum Wage Directive (Eurofound, 2025a). The second provides an overview of recent research publications on minimum wages, mainly published in 2024 (Eurofound, 2025b). Finally, Eurofound’s minimum wage country profiles complement this report by providing detailed background information on how minimum wage setting is regulated and functions in the EU Member States and Norway." (Text excerpt, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Baumann, Arne (2025): What Explains Differences in Minimum Wage Growth Between EU Member States? In: Jahrbücher für Nationalökonomie und Statistik, Jg. 245, H. 1/2, S. 7-44. DOI:10.1515/jbnst-2023-0039

Abstract

"There are considerable differences in minimum wage growth between EU member states with national minimum wages. Potential sources for these differences are discrepancies in economic fundamentals and institutional differences in how minimum wages are adjusted. Using a novel dataset based on macroeconomic data, institutional information on minimum wage setting and data on economic policy orientation and elections, the article tests whether growth differences in the minimum wage of 21 EU member states during the time period 2000 to 2020 can be explained by a catch-up dynamic in new EU member states, by different growth models of EU member states or by differences in the actors that are responsible for the adjustment of minimum wages. The results show that across the entire sample and irrespective of actors, minimum wage growth follows consumer price inflation and wage growth most closely. Higher than average minimum wage growth rates in EU member states stem from overshooting inflation during the period of EU accession, reducing wage inequality and increasing the Kaitz index. Actors also mattered for minimum wage growth. Adjustments by social partner consensus led to higher minimum wage growth than the benchmark of indexed minimum wages, introducing a distributive element to minimum wage adjustments." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Doucouliagos, Hristos & Katarina Zigova (2025): Minimum Wages and Human Capital Investment: A Meta‐Regression Analysis. In: BJIR, Jg. 63, H. 4, S. 567-586. DOI:10.1111/bjir.12881

Abstract

"We apply meta-regression analysis to assess the effect of the minimum wage on two types of human capital, formal education enrolment and on-the-job training, using 892 reported estimates of these effects. On average, raising the minimum wage reduces enrolment in all countries assessed. The minimum wage has a somewhat moderate positive effect on training in the United States and no significant training effect elsewhere. There is no publication bias in the formal education and modest bias in the training literature. Heterogeneity among reported estimates is primarily driven by data differences, alternative specifications and measures of the relevant variables." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku, Published by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons) ((en))

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Lübker, Malte & Thorsten Schulten (2025): WSI-Mindestlohnbericht 2025. Neuorientierung der Mindestlohnpolitik führt zu realer Aufwertung. In: WSI-Mitteilungen, Jg. 78, H. 2, S. 108-121. DOI:10.5771/0342-300x-2025-2-108

Abstract

"Auf Basis von Daten für 38 Länder in Europa und Übersee analysiert der diesjährige WSI-Mindestlohnbericht die Entwicklung der Mindestlöhne zum Stichtag 1. Januar 2025. Innerhalb der Europäischen Union hat sich das nominale Wachstum der Mindestlöhne zwar etwas abgeschwächt, lag mit 6,2 % im Median aber weiterhin verhältnismäßig hoch. Aufgrund rückgängiger Inflationsraten verblieb nach der Preisbereinigung mit 3,8 % im Median aber ein stärkeres Realwachstum als in den Vorjahren. Getragen wird die Entwicklung insbesondere von den osteuropäischen EU-Ländern. Der WSI-Mindestlohnbericht führt die Entwicklung auf eine Neuorientierung der nationalen Mindestlohnpolitiken im Zuge der Umsetzung der Europäischen Mindestlohnrichtlinie zurück. Wie der Bericht zeigt, sind die dort verankerten Schwellenwerte für einen angemessenen Mindestlohn von 60 % des Median- und 50 % des Durchschnittslohns inzwischen in vielen Ländern als Zielvorgaben übernommen worden." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

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Majchrowska, Aleksandra & Sylwia Roszkowska (2025): Does aging matter in the impact of the minimum wage on inflation? (MPRA paper / University Library of Munich 123506), München, 17 S.

Abstract

"We examine how demographic changes impact the transmission of minimum wage increases to inflation. The minimum wage growth can raise the prices of goods and services and accelerate inflationary processes. At the same time, a shrinking workforce and changes in its structure could lead to changes in the impact of minimum wage increases on the economy. We use the minimum wage augmented Phillips curve framework extended with the demographic variables. We employ the sample of 21 European Union countries in 2003-2023 and panel data techniques. Our study proves that the strength of the minimum wage pass-through effects on inflation depends on demographic factors. Aging of the workforce and shrinking workforce size weakens the impact of minimum wage increase on inflation. Contrary, a lower proportion of the less educated working-age population strengthens the minimum wage pass-through effects on inflation. Our results have important implications for macroeconomic, minimum wage, and education policies." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Shaikh, Osama & Selcen Ozturk (2025): Assessing the impact of labour market spendings on unemployment dynamics across demographics in OECD countries. In: Public sector economics, Jg. 49, H. 4, S. 527-562. DOI:10.3326/pse.49.4.2

Abstract

"This study investigates the long-run effects of labour market policies on unemployment dynamics in 36 OECD countries from 2004 to 2022. Derived from second-generation panel methods that address cross-sectional dependence and heterogeneity, the results indicate that activation policies without providing employment maintenance incentives are associated with higher unemployment. Institutional and public training expenditures mainly reduce youth unemployment, while minimum income benefits and wages contribute to higher adult and total unemployment, reflecting disincentivising effects and wage rigidities. Rising labour force participation increases measured unemployment by re-engaging marginally attached workers. Robustness checks across sub-periods and welfare-regime clusters reveal heterogeneity, showing that policy effects are context-dependent and time-sensitive rather than uniformly stable. Causality tests confirm two-way interactions between unemployment and labour market policies. These findings underscore the need for nuanced, age-specific strategies that integrate activation measures, targeted training, and carefully calibrated income support to promote inclusive and effective labour markets in advanced economies." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Sotirakopoulos, Panagiotis, Cahit Guven, Aydogan Ulker & Carol Graham (2025): The impact of minimum wages on overall health and well-being: Global evidence from the Gallup World Poll. In: Social Science & Medicine, Jg. 375. DOI:10.1016/j.socscimed.2025.118064

Abstract

"We examine the impact of minimum wage increases on the overall self-reported health and subjective well-being of low-skilled workers using the Gallup World Poll from 2009 to 2020. We identify effects using within-country changes over time and cross-country variations in the timing and intensity of minimum wage increases across 87 countries. Our findings suggest that minimum wage increases benefit health and certain dimensions of subjective well-being. Specifically, we estimate a range of specifications and find that a 10 percent increase in the minimum wage leads to an increase in self-reported health ranging from 0 % to 1 % and an increase in satisfaction with the standard of living between 1 % and 6 %, at the outcome means. Minimum wage increases are linked to higher incomes, a lower likelihood of overtime work, enhanced social interactions, and more positive daily experiences. These benefits are especially significant in countries with stronger rule of law, among male workers, and for individuals in nations with free and universal healthcare access. A series of sensitivity and placebo tests confirm the robustness of these findings." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku, © 2025 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.) ((en))

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Aumayr-Pintar, Christine, Carlos Vacas-Soriano, Jakub Kostolný & Marco Seghesio (2024): Minimum wages in 2024: Annual review. (Eurofound research report / European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions), Dublin, 94 S.

Abstract

"Minimum wages protect workers from unjustified low wages and ensure a level playing field for companies. All EU Member States and Norway have minimum wages in place, albeit in different forms. Among the 27 Member States, 22 have a national minimum wage, with one (or sometimes more than one) rate setting a basic wage floor. In addition, collective agreements are used to further regulate pay and usually set rates above the national minimum wage. In the remaining five Member States and Norway, minimum wages are set in sectorlevel collective agreements, which includes a high coverage of workers in these countries. The 2024 version of this annual review provides an update on minimum wage developments, details how the rates were set and which criteria were used in their adjustment, and maps the influence of EU-level policy on minimum wage setting." (Text excerpt, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Dube, Arindrajit & Attila Lindner (2024): Minimum Wages in the 21st Century. (RF Berlin - CReAM Discussion Paper Series 2024,25), Berlin, 127 S.

Abstract

"This chapter surveys the literature on the impact of minimum wages on low-wage labor markets. We describe and critically review the empirical methods in the new minimum wage literature, particularly those leveraging quasi-experimental variation. We provide a quantitative overview of the most recent evidence on the employment and wage effects of the policy, while also exploring emerging research on its impact on other margins, including amenities, other inputs (such as capital and high-skilled workers), firm entry and exit, output prices and demand, profits, and productivity. This approach allows us to present a comprehensive picture of how minimum wage policies affect firms, workers, and labor markets. We also review the evidence on the policy’s impact on wage inequality and income distribution. Finally, we discuss how these effects can vary depending on the economic context and the level of a country's development." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Kozák, Michal, Georg Picot & Peter Starke (2024): Do minimum wages crowd out union density? In: BJIR, Jg. 62, H. 4, S. 760-778. DOI:10.1111/bjir.12809

Abstract

"Minimum wage legislation has spread across rich democracies in recent decades in response to rising inequality and in-work poverty. However, there are concerns that state regulation of wages could reduce incentives to join a union. We empirically test this crowding out hypothesis, using (1) an event-study macro-level analysis of trade union density in 19 advanced capitalist countries between 1960 and 2017 and (2) a multi-level analysis of 32 countries (1981−2020) where we use individual-level union membership as dependent variable. We find no evidence that statutory minimum wage adoption crowds out union density. We also test whether the most vulnerable groups of employees (young, low-skilled and low-income) have a lower propensity to join a union when a minimum wage is introduced but find no effect either." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku, Published by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons) ((en))

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Lübker, Malte & Thorsten Schulten (2024): WSI-Mindestlohnbericht 2024. (WSI-Report 93), Düsseldorf, 23 S.

Abstract

"In den meisten EU-Staaten kam es zum 1. Januar 2024 zu deutlichen Erhöhungen der Mindestlöhne. Diese reichten trotz anhaltend hoher Inflationsraten in der Mehrzahl der Mitgliedsländer aus, um die Kaufkraft des Mindestlohns zu erhalten oder sogar auszubauen. Begünstigt wurde die Mindestlohndynamik auch durch die im Herbst 2022 verabschiedete Europäische Mindestlohnrichtlinie. Viele Mitgliedsländer streben im Zuge der Umsetzung der EU-Richtlinie an, die dort verankerten Referenzwerte von 60 % des Medianlohns bzw. 50 % des Durchschnittslohns zu erreichen. Anders verlief die Entwicklung in Deutschland: Hier plädierte die Mindestlohnkommission gegen die Stimmen der Gewerkschaften nur für eine geringe Anhebung des Mindestlohns, die hinter die Preisentwicklung zurückfällt." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

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Lübker, Malte & Thorsten Schulten (2024): WSI-Mindestlohnbericht 2024: Reale Zugewinne durch die Umsetzung der Europäischen Mindestlohnrichtlinie. (WSI-Report 93), Düsseldorf, 21 S.

Abstract

"In den meisten EU-Staaten kam es zum 1. Januar 2024 zu deutlichen Erhöhungen der Mindestlöhne. Diese reichten trotz anhaltend hoher Inflationsraten in der Mehrzahl der Mitgliedsländer aus, um die Kaufkraft des Mindestlohns zu erhalten oder sogar auszubauen. Begünstigt wurde die Mindestlohndynamik auch durch die im Herbst 2022 verabschiedete Europäische Mindestlohnrichtlinie. Viele Mitgliedsländer streben im Zuge der Umsetzung der EU-Richtlinie an, die dort verankerten Referenzwerte von 60 % des Medianlohns bzw. 50 % des Durchschnittslohns zu erreichen. Anders verlief die Entwicklung in Deutschland: Hier plädierte die Mindestlohnkommission gegen die Stimmen der Gewerkschaften nur für eine geringe Anhebung des Mindestlohns, die hinter die Preisentwicklung zurückfällt." (Textauszug, IAB-Doku)

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Steuernagel, Anne & Max Krahé (2024): Ambitioniert, aber vertretbar: Einordnung eines 16-Euro-Mindestlohns. (Research report / Dezernat Zukunft - Institut für Makrofinanzen 297838), Berlin, 28 S.

Abstract

"Am 1. Januar 2015 wurde in Deutschland erstmals ein flächendeckender gesetzlicher Mindestlohn von 8,50 Euro eingeführt. Dem sind Jahre vorausgegangen, in denen die Größe des Niedriglohnsektors in Deutschland erst stark anwuchs und dann auf hohem Niveau stagnierte (Grabka & Schröder 2019). Debatten um armutssichere Arbeit prägten die Diskussion. Außerhalb von Deutschland hatten zu diesem Zeitpunkt bereits viele andere Staaten einen gesetzlichen Mindestlohn eingeführt. Bei der Einführung 2015 bewegte sich die Höhe des Mindestlohns in Deutschland gemessen am Kaitz-Index1 im internationalen Mittelfeld" (Textauszug, IAB-Doku)

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Égert, Balázs, Jarmila Botev & Dave Turner (2024): Minimum Wages at a Turning Point? (CESifo working paper 11586), München, 33 S.

Abstract

"This paper uses cross-country macroeconomic empirical evidence among OECD countries to examine possible non-linear effects on employment of raising the minimum wage, in particular that marginal disemployment effects become larger when the initial minimum wage is already high. Some evidence is found for such effects, particularly for female and older workers, although the estimated threshold beyond which this occurs -- at roughly 50%-60% of the median wage – above which such effects become apparent should be viewed as indicative rather than precise point estimates. The paper also finds that these non-linear disemployment effects are much more apparent for countries with strict Employment Protection Legislation (EPL) and/or with a high labour tax wedge. This suggests caution in applying the findings from much of the 'new' minimum wage literature based on US evidence to other OECD countries where EPL and tax wedges are typically stricter/higher." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Cova, Joshua (2023): Politicizing the minimum wage: A multilingual text analysis of minimum wages in European electoral manifestos. In: Journal of European Social Policy, Jg. 33, H. 4, S. 469-483. DOI:10.1177/09589287231199561

Abstract

"This article examines the determinants of the growing political salience of minimum wages in European party manifestos. By using multilingual quantitative text analysis, I show that the electoral salience of minimum wages has increased in the past decades. Although left-wing parties emphasize minimum wages more than right-wing parties, I find that the electoral salience of this policy follows a U-shaped relationship: right-wing populist parties dedicate greater attention to minimum wages than centre-right parties do. A sentiment analysis finds that compared to other policies designed to supplement the income of low-wage workers, such as strengthening collective bargaining institutions and in-work benefits/wage subsidies, there do not seem to be specific party-political characteristics, which determine the sentiment with which discussions on minimum wages are framed." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Dickens, Richard (2023): How are minimum wages set? (IZA world of labor 211), Bonn, 11 S. DOI:10.15185/izawol.211.v2

Abstract

"The minimum wage has never been as high on the political agenda as it is today, with politicians in Germany, the UK, the US, and other OECD countries implementing substantial increases in the rate. One reason for the rising interest is the growing consensus among economists and policymakers that minimum wages, set at the right level, may help low paid workers without harming employment prospects. But how should countries set their minimum wage rate? The processes that countries use to set their minimum wage rate and structure differ greatly, as do the methods for adjusting it. The different approaches have merits and shortcomings." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Filauro, Stefano, Klaus Grünberger & Edlira Narazani (2023): The Impact of Minimum Wages on Income Inequality in the EU. (JRC working papers on taxation and structural reforms 2023,04), Seville, 33 S.

Abstract

"A number of studies documents that minimum wage policies have the potential to reduce income inequality. The recently adopted EU Commission's proposal for a Directive on adequate minimum wages was supported by a detailed analysis of the social impacts of hypothetical minimum wage levels in countries with a statutory minimum wage. This paper extends these country-level analyses by exploring the impact of minimum wage policies on EU-level income inequality. To our knowledge, this is the first study that uses a microsimulation model such as EUROMOD to assess the impact of EU-promoted policies on the distribution of income in the EU, beyond their national effects. Assuming no employment effects, static simulation results show that a hypothetical minimum wage corresponding to 60% of the national median wage would bring about a small but significant reduction in EU-level disposable income inequality (by 0.75% in 2019 as measured through the Gini index). This result stems primarily from a reduction in the within-country component of income inequality as the effect on inequality between countries is rather muted. The reduction in EU-level income inequality is the highest in disposable incomes, but some reduction is detectable also in market incomes. In turn, the withdrawal of social benefits because of higher minimum wages seems to neutralise part of this inequality reduction." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Haapanala, Henri, Ive Marx & Zachary Parolin (2023): Decent wage floors in Europe: Does the minimum wage directive get it right? In: Journal of European Social Policy, Jg. 33, H. 4, S. 421-435. DOI:10.1177/09589287231176977

Abstract

"The Directive on Adequate Minimum Wages represents a watershed initiative adding substance to the EU’s social dimension. It contains two ambitious objectives: establishing the minimum level of statutory minimum wages at 60% of the gross median wage, and increasing collective bargaining coverage (CBC) to at least 80% of workers. In this article, we assess how statutory minimum wages and collective bargaining coverage are associated with the likelihood of low pay. Using a time series cross-section of EU-SILC for income years 2004–2019, we identify and assess the absolute and relative size of ‘effective wage floors’ for full-time employees in 30 countries. We specify multilevel, random effects within-between regression models to assess the individual and joint associations of SMW and collective bargaining coverage with wage floors. Our results indicate that SMWs and CBC both have distinct roles in establishing the effective wage floor. First, higher collective bargaining coverage is on average associated with a lower share of workers earning below 60% gross median wages. Second, higher SMWs are strongly associated with higher effective wage floors. Third, both collective bargaining coverage and union density are strongly associated with higher wage floors." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Hamilton, Reg & Matt Nichol (2023): One Hundred Years of Dynamic Minimum Wage Regulation: Lessons from Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States. In: International Labour Review, Jg. 162, H. 3, S. 407-429. DOI:10.1111/ilr.12380

Abstract

"Since the first minimum wage legislation was introduced in Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States in the early 1900s, minimum wage regulation has attracted controversy. Opponents of minimum wage levels rely on market theory, while supporters acknowledge the role of markets in setting the price of labour but justify state intervention based on principles of equity and social good. This article examines how these two ideological positions influenced fixing what is both a crucial cost for business and underpinning of worker and family living standards, and whether effective wage fixing has resulted. Little comparative research exists on the origins, evolution and current systems of minimum wage regulation in the three countries and this article aims to address this gap in the literature." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku, Published by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons) ((en))

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Juliana, Maria, Charry Camargo, Alessandra Crippa, Serena Drufuca, Flavia Pesce, Manuela Samek Lodovici, Elena Cottini, Bernardo Fanfani & Claudio Lucifora (2023): Minimum wages: Non-compliance and enforcement across EU Member State. Comparative report. (Eurofound research report / European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions), Dublin, 119 S. DOI:10.2806/474422

Abstract

"In the EU, non-compliance with statutory or negotiated minimum wages averages 6.93% or 1.3%, depending on the statistics used. The lowest national estimate is 0.01% in Belgium and the highest is 11.59% in Hungary. It mostly affects young workers, those on fixed-term or part-time contracts and those working for small companies. It is more common in services than in manufacturing, and is characterized by shorter working time. Member States monitor, enforce and promote compliance in similar ways, although with some differences. This report identifies hindering and enabling factors. Some countries focus on specific economic sectors, such as construction, domestic work, platform work, agriculture and meat processing. National authorities often enforce minimum wages indirectly by helping employers comply, raising workers’ awareness, and helping stakeholders increase cooperation and develop faster procedures. Combining these soft initiatives with tougher measures increases the effectiveness of inspectorates’ actions in enforcing compliance with minimum wages." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Lübker, Malte & Thorsten Schulten (2023): WSI-Mindestlohnbericht 2023. Kaufkraftsicherung als zentrale Aufgabe in Zeiten hoher Inflation. In: WSI-Mitteilungen, Jg. 76, H. 2, S. 112-122. DOI:10.5771/0342-300X-2023-2-112

Abstract

"Der WSI-Mindestlohnbericht enthält neue Daten über Mindestlöhne aus insgesamt 38 Ländern in Europa und darüber hinaus. Die aktuelle Entwicklung der Mindestlöhne steht ganz im Zeichen der enorm hohen Inflationsraten. Während in der Hälfte der 22 EU-Staaten, die gesetzliche Mindestlöhne haben, die realen Mindestlöhne gesichert oder sogar erhöht werden konnten, reichten die Mindestlohnerhöhungen in den restlichen EU-Staaten nicht aus, um teilweise erhebliche Reallohnverluste zu vermeiden. Vor diesem Hintergrund sieht die im Oktober 2022 verabschiedete Europäische Mindestlohnrichtlinie die Kaufkraft als ein wesentliches Kriterium an, das bei der Festsetzung eines als angemessen geltenden Mindestlohns zu berücksichtigen ist. In einigen europäischen Ländern wie z. B. Belgien oder Frankreich ist die Reallohnsicherung der Mindestlöhne schon heute gesetzlich verankert und wird durch entsprechende Indexierungsklauseln gewährleistet. In Deutschland hat die Erhöhung des Mindestlohns auf 12 € den Beschäftigten zunächst einmal ein kräftiges Reallohnplus beschert. Für zukünftige Anpassungen steht jedoch auch hier die Reallohnsicherung auf der Tagesordnung." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

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Lübker, Malte & Thorsten Schulten (2023): WSI-Mindestlohnbericht 2023. Kaufkraftsicherung als zentrale Aufgabe in Zeiten hoher Inflation. (WSI-Report 82), Düsseldorf, 19 S.

Abstract

"Die rasant gestiegenen Verbraucherpreise belasten Beschäftigte mit niedrigen Einkommen in besonderem Maße. Deswegen ist es derzeit eine vordringliche Aufgabe der Lohnpolitik, die Kaufkraft der Mindestlöhne zu sichern. Wie der diesjährige WSI-Mindestlohnbericht zeigt, ist dies trotz einer deutlichen Anhebung der nominalen Mindestlöhne zum 1. Januar 2023 nur in rund der Hälfte der EU-Länder gelungen. Vor diesem Hintergrund verfolgt die neue Europäische Mindestlohnrichtlinie das Ziel, allen Beschäftigten einen angemessenen Mindestlohn zu garantieren. Das Kriterium der Angemessenheit beinhaltet, dass die EU-Mitgliedsländer künftig bei der Anpassung der Mindestlöhne deren jeweilige Kaufkraft, also die zugrunde liegenden Lebenshaltungskosten, mitberücksichtigen müssen. Dies stellt auch in Deutschland die hierzulande zuständige Mindestlohnkommission vor neuen Handlungsbedarf." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

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Muñoz, Mathilde (2023): International Trade Responses to Labor Market Regulations. (NBER working paper / National Bureau of Economic Research 31876), Cambridge, Mass, 61 S.

Abstract

"This paper studies how differences in labor market regulations shape countries' comparative advantage in the cross-border provision of labor-intensive services, using administrative data in Europe for the last two decades. I exploit exogenous variation in labor taxes and minimum wages faced by exporting firms engaged in a large European trade program. Firms from different countries compete to supply the same physical service in the same location but their employees are subject to different payroll taxes and minimum wages. These rules varied across countries, sectors, and over time. Reduced-form country case-studies as well as model-implied gravity estimates show evidence of large trade responses to lower labor taxes and minimum wages, with an elasticity that is around one. The Bolkestein directive, by exempting foreign firms from all labor regulations in the destination country, would have doubled exports of physical services from Eastern European countries, rationalizing the wave of protests in high-wage countries that led to the withdrawal of the proposal." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Pedersen, Siri Hansen & Georg Picot (2023): Regulating low wages: cross-national policy variation and outcomes. In: Socio-economic review, Jg. 21, H. 4, S. 2093-2116. DOI:10.1093/ser/mwad019

Abstract

"This article provides a comparative analysis of three central policies to regulate low wages: statutory minimum wages, state support for collective bargaining and topping up low wages with public transfers (in-work benefits). We map the variation of these policies across 33 OECD countries and analyze the incidence of low-wage employment they are associated with. We find three approaches to regulating low wages. In the first, 'wage scale protection', states put most emphasis on supporting collective bargaining. In the second, 'bare minimum', there is not much else than the statutory minimum wage. In the third, 'state pay', the statutory minimum wage is supplemented by sizeable public financial support for low earners. When analyzing policy outcomes, 'wage scale protection' is associated with least low-wage employment. For 'bare minimum', much depends on the level of the statutory minimum wage. Although 'state pay' props up workers' disposable income, many workers receive low gross pay." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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(2023): Labor Market and Wage Developments in Europe 2023. (Labour market and wage developments in Europe : annual review), Luxembourg, 138 S.

Abstract

"The Labor Market and Wage Developments in Europe report analyses the labor market from a macroeconomic perspective. This year’s edition discusses the situation and prospects for the EU labor market, which has continued to perform well notwithstanding the economic slowdown and an economic context characterised by persistent uncertainty. The report also reviews recent wage and labor cost developments in the EU and its Member States in the current high-inflation environment. While wage growth has been robust, it has not been sufficient to compensate for the high inflation. At the same time, statutory minimum wage policies have contributed to protecting the purchasing power of minimum-wage earners. Finally, the report examines the developments in working time across the EU, assessing how individual preferences have evolved following the COVID-19 pandemic and discussing the effects of working time policies on workers’ wellbeing and on the broader economic context." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Abstract

"This study explores the importance of financial incentives for the labor market integration of minimum income recipients compared to other factors, via three distinct strands of analysis: Benefit adequacy and work incentives: The study examines the potential trade-off in the design of minimum income schemes between ensuring adequate income support and providing sufficient incentive for recipients to look for employment. To do so, it calculates for each EU Member State the “participation tax rate” (PTR), which measures the net income lost by someone moving from receiving minimum income benefits into work relative to the income gained. It then assesses the actual importance of high PTRs on work incentives by analysing the empirical evidence available. Gradual phasing out of benefits: The study examines how minimum income schemes make use of tapering to ensure a financial incentive for recipients to take up (more) work. To do so, it takes inventory of the tapering arrangements currently applicable in Member States and examines how these are implemented. It also identifies recent reforms to tapering mechanisms, case studies on six recent reforms, and uses these to reflect on their impact. Active labor market policies for minimum income recipients: The study examines the use of active labour market policies and what types of policy may be most effective in enabling transition for minimum income benefit recipients. To do so, it performs a quantitative analysis of the data from the EU Labor Market Policy database and a qualitative analysis of evaluations of programs co-funded by the European Social Fund. In both cases long-term unemployed were used as a proxy for minimum income benefit recipients." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Adam, Georg (2022): Die Entwicklung der gesetzlichen Mindestlohnsetzung in der EU und ihre Bedeutung für die Gewerkschaften. In: Wirtschaft und Gesellschaft, Jg. 48, H. 3, S. 365-406.

Abstract

"In der Europäischen Union bestehen auf nationaler Ebene sehr unterschiedliche Mindestlohnregime. Dieser Beitrag fokussiert auf den internationalen Vergleich von Mindestlohnregimen, wobei besonderes Augenmerk auf die Modi der gesetzlichen Festlegung von Mindestlöhnen gelegt wird. Darüber hinaus analysiert der Beitrag – ausgehend vom Konzept der Governance – den wechselseitigen Zusammenhang zwischen der gesetzlichen Mindestlohnsetzung und der Kollektivvertragspolitik. Drittens beleuchtet der Beitrag auf Grundlage des sogenannten Machtressourcenansatzes den Zusammenhang zwischen der Mindestlohnpolitik und den unterschiedlichen Dimensionen gewerkschaftlicher Macht. Insbesondere wird untersucht, unter welchen Bedingungen der gesetzliche Mindestlohn als institutionelle Machtressource der Gewerkschaften fungieren kann." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

Zitatform

Afonso, António, João Tovar Jalles & Zoe Venter (2022): Minimum Wage and Collective Bargaining Reforms: A Narrative Database for Advance Economies. (CESifo working paper 9692), München, 21 S.

Abstract

"This paper presents and describes a new database of major minimum wage and collective bargaining reforms covering 26 advanced economies over the period 1970-2020. The main advantage of this dataset is the precise identification of the nature and date of major reforms, which is valuable in many empirical applications. Based on the dataset, major changes in minimum wages have been more frequent than in collective bargaining in the last decades, and the majority of these were implemented during the 1980s and 1990s. In our empirical application, we find that minimum wage reforms have a medium-run positive impact on labor productivity and they lead to a fall in the unemployment rate. Collective bargaining reforms do not seem to affect either productivity or capital formation but they have a clear medium-term effect on the labor market. Moreover, collective bargaining reforms are more sensitivity to the prevailing business cycle conditions at the time of the reform (vis-à-vis minimum wage reforms)." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Grünberger, Klaus, Edlira Narazani, Stefano Filauro & Aron Kiss (2022): Social and fiscal impacts of statutory minimum wages in EU countries. A microsimulation analysis with EUROMOD. In: IZA Journal of Labor Policy, Jg. 12, H. 1. DOI:10.2478/izajolp-2022-0009

Abstract

"This paper analyzes the effects of hypothetical MW (HMW) increases on social and fiscal outcomes in 21 European Union (EU) countries with a statutory national MW (NMW) based on a microsimulation approach using EUROMOD. The methodological challenges related to the use of available EU household survey data are described, along with the choices made to address these challenges. The paper assesses hypothetical scenarios in which countries with a statutory NMW increase their minimum wage (MW) to various reference values, set in relation to the gross national median and average wage. The model simulations suggest that MW increases can significantly reduce in-work poverty, wage inequality, and the gender pay gap, while generally improving the public budget balance. The implied wage increases for the beneficiaries are substantial, while the implied increases in the aggregate wage bill are generally modest. Extensions explore possible effects on employment and labor supply at the intensive margin." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Haapanala, Henri, Ive Marx & Zachary Parolin (2022): Decent Wage Floors in Europe: Does the Minimum Wage Directive Get It Right? (IZA discussion paper / Forschungsinstitut zur Zukunft der Arbeit 15660), Bonn, 45 S.

Abstract

"The Directive on Adequate Minimum Wages represents a watershed initiative adding substance to the EU's social dimension. It contains two ambitious objectives: establishing the minimum level of statutory minimum wages (SMWs) at 60% of the gross median wage, and increasing collective bargaining coverage (CBC) to at least 80% of workers. In this paper, we assess how minimum wages and collective bargaining affect low pay. Using a time series cross-section of EU-SILC for income years 2004-2019, we identify and assess the absolute and relative size of 'effective wage floors' for full-time employees in 30 countries. We specify multilevel, random effects within-between (REWB) regression models to assess the individual and joint effects of SMW and CBC on wage floors. Our results indicate that SMW and CBC both have distinct roles to play in establishing the effective wage floor. First, countries with a statutory minimum wage have a lower share of workers earning below 60% gross median wage than countries without one. Furthermore, higher rates of CBC are essential for pushing down the share of workers on below-decent pay. Countries without a SMW but with CBC above the 80% target value have roughly the same proportion of below-decent pay as SMW countries with CBC less than 30-40%. However, at higher rates of CBC, SMW countries are predicted to overtake non-SMW countries on this measure. A hypothetical SMW country meeting the target value of 80% CBC is predicted to have less than 6.5% of full-time employees earning below-decent pay." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Lübker, Malte & Thorsten Schulten (2022): WSI-Mindestlohnbericht 2022. Aufbruch zu einer neuen Mindestlohnpolitik in Deutschland und Europa. (WSI-Report 71), Düsseldorf, 20 S.

Abstract

"Nicht nur in Deutschland steht der Mindestlohn derzeit weit oben auf der politischen Agenda – zahlreiche europäische Länder sind auf dem Weg zu strukturell höheren Mindestlöhnen. Als Richtwert für ein angemessenes Mindestlohnniveau gilt dabei die Schwelle von 60% des Medianlohns, die auch im Kontext der Europäischen Mindestlohninitiative diskutiert wird. Der diesjährige WSI-Mindestlohnbericht zeigt, dass Mindestlöhne in dieser Höhe umsetzbar sind, wenn hierfür eine klare politische Richtungsentscheidung getroffen wird. Deutschland würde sich mit der geplanten Anhebung des Mindestlohns auf 12 € diesem Richtwert annähern und damit innerhalb Europas vom bisherigen Nachzügler bei Mindestlohnerhöhungen zum Vorreiter in der Mindestlohnpolitik werden." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

Zitatform

Manning, Alan (2022): Der flüchtige Beschäftigungseffekt des Mindestlohns. In: A. Heise & T. Pusch (Hrsg.) (2022): Mindestlöhne – Szenen einer Wissenschaft, S. 137-174.

Abstract

"Mit der Vielzahl von Papieren, die versuchen, den Effekt von Mindestlöhnen auf die Beschäftigung zu schätzen, steigt die Gefahr, den Blick auf die Frage nach dem 'Warum' zu verlieren. Insbesondere auf die Frage, warum es so schwer ist, negative Beschäftigungseffekte von Mindestlöhnen auszumachen. Vielleicht gibt es gewisse ökonomische Faktoren, die den kleinen und oftmals ambivalenten Effekt des Mindestlohns auf die Beschäftigung erklären? Oder vielleicht sind Arbeitsmärkte fundamental von anderen Märkten verschieden? Diese Anliegen sollen in diesem Beitrag diskutiert werden. Die Schlussfolgerung ist, dass der Beschäftigungseffekt des Mindestlohns schwer fassbar ist, aber auch, dass die Ökonomen hiervon nicht überrascht sein sollten, wenn man bedenkt, wie Arbeitsmärkte funktionieren, in denen Abweichungen vom vollständigen Wettbewerb viel größer sind als in vielen anderen Märkten. Tatsächlich mag es an der Zeit sein, dass die Forschung einen Schritt vorwärts macht und sich die Frage stellt, wie weit der Mindestlohn erhöht werden kann, ohne signifikante Beschäftigungseffekte auszulösen." (Textauszug, IAB-Doku)

Zitatform

Natali, David & Andrea Terlizzi (2022): Minimum income across all ages: a focus on elderly people. (Working paper / European Trade Union Institute 2022,17), Brussels, 40 S.

Abstract

"The risk of poverty is a key issue for European countries. Irrespective of the uneven evolution of that risk – a sharp increase in the aftermath of the Great Recession of 2008 followed by an overall decrease in the past few years – people at risk of poverty represent a key target of social protection and social assistance schemes across the EU Member States and a persistent challenge for policymakers. In response to the call for tender proposed by the European Trade Union Institute (ETUI) and the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), this paper explores some of the many dimensions of old-age poverty and considers the possibility of addressing at least some of these dimensions by means of a guaranteed minimum income for retired persons, including one that could be introduced or coordinated at European level. The paper is organised in three parts. Chapter 1 collects information on poverty risks across Europe and age groups (e.g. between working-age and elderly populations) to assess how people of both working and retirement age are affected by poverty. Some preliminary data shed light on the impact of the pandemic. Chapter 2 assesses minimum pension schemes across Europe (comparing these schemes for the elderly with minimum income schemes for those of working age), with some insights about their efficacy. We also identify the standards that should be kept in account for designing adequate minimum income policies after retirement. Chapter 3 summarises the recent debate at the EU level and suggests policy strategies to provide effective minimum income protection for elderly people to lead a life in dignity. The paper ends with some preliminary conclusions and remarks." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Welz, Christian & Maria Cantero (2022): Regulating minimum wages and other forms of pay for the self-employed. (Eurofound research report / European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions), Dublin, 67 S. DOI:10.2806/426747

Abstract

"This report is carried out in the context of the three-year pilot project (2021–2023), ‘Role of the minimum wage in establishing the Universal Labour Guarantee’, mandated to Eurofound by the European Commission. Its focus is module 3 of the project, investigating minimum wages and other forms of pay for the self-employed. Out of concern for the challenging conditions faced by certain groups of self-employed workers, some Member States have established or are in discussions about proposing some statutory forms of minimum pay for selected categories of the self-employed. The main objective of the report is to understand how minimum wages, wage rates, tariffs, fees and other forms of pay could be fixed for specific jobs or professions in sectors having a high level of ‘vulnerable’ workers, as well as ‘concealed’ self-employed. While the majority of Member States allow trade union representation, the right to collective bargaining for the selfemployed is much more limited. Only a small number of Member States provide examples of collectively agreed minimum wages or other forms of pay for the self-employed." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Abstract

"The first joint report of the Social Protection Committee and the European Commission on minimum income arrives at a crucial moment for social Europe. Considering the current volatile socio-economic situation combined with various megatrends at play, solid safety nets are indispensable for the cohesion of our societies and for assisting those in need. It is evident that achieving the new European target of a reduction by at least 15 million of the number of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion in the EU by 2030 will require more efforts. The income of quasi-jobless households has been lagging behind the general income improvements, pointing to the key importance of strengthening social protection systems, and in particular also minimum income schemes, to cope with economic shocks and support vulnerable groups. As the report shows, large divergences between and within the Member States remain. Principle 14 of the European Pillar of Social Rights stresses the right to adequate minimum income to ensure a life in dignity at all stages of life, alongside effective access to enabling goods and services and, for those who can work, a (re)integration to the labour market. In 2020, the Council of the European Union reflected upon the importance of strengthening minimum income protection and acknowledged that such protection, accompanied by activation and social inclusion services, plays a vital role in mitigating the risk of poverty and social exclusion. The Council also invited the European Commission and the Social Protection Committee to ‘prepare periodically a joint report to analyse and review progress achieved in the development of minimum income protection in the Member States, building on the benchmarking framework for minimum income protection established at EU level.’ This current report responds directly to this call. It provides an overview of the current state of play of minimum income policies in the EU Member States, reflecting the three policy strands of active inclusion: adequate income support, inclusive labour markets and access to quality services. It reviews levels and trends in outcomes and performances of national systems, based on the selected indicators of the agreed benchmarking framework on minimum income. The analysis highlights that on average in the EU, adequacy of minimum income benefits has remained almost unchanged in the last decade in spite of some convergence reflecting the fact that new schemes have been introduced in some Member States and reforms have been carried out in others. Countries with higher coverage generally also show lower depth of poverty. Still, estimates available show that non-take-up of minimum income is high, at around 30 % to 50 % of the eligible population. In terms of facilitating labour market participation, the participation of minimum income beneficiaries in active labour market policy measures appears to be low and often limited to certain types of activities. Coordination with bodies offering other complementary benefits and services also appears to be a challenge in many instances." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Arranz, José M., Enrique Fernández-Macías & Carlos García-Serrano (2021): Wage differentials and segmentation: The impact of institutions and changing economic conditions. In: European journal of industrial relations, Jg. 27, H. 2, S. 203-227. DOI:10.1177/0959680120959008

Abstract

"This paper uses data from the European Survey on Income and Living Conditions to offer new empirical evidence on how wage differentials are influenced by the changing economic conditions, that is, before and after the 2008?2010 recession, and shaped by the different institutional frameworks of European Union countries. We examine whether wage changes are homogeneous across groups of workers, as they are classified by their contractual relationship and working time, and by the heterogeneity in institutions that regulate and affect the labour market. Results obtained by estimating ordinary least squares and quantile regressions confirm the existence of contract and working time wage gaps and allow to estimate their different magnitudes along the wage distribution, and their rise during the recession. The impact of labour market institutions on shaping them is diverse, with more intervention of the government in the setting of the minimum wage and stricter regulation for atypical contracts reducing the wage gaps and producing larger positive effects for low-wage employees." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Baumann, Arne (2021): What accounts for differences in minimum wage growth between EU member states? (baua: Preprint / Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin), Dortmund, 23 S. DOI:10.21934/baua:preprint20210506

Abstract

"Der Beitrag vergleicht auf Basis eines innovativen Datensatzes das Mindestlohnwachstum in 18 EU-Mitgliedsstaaten (ohne Deutschland) in den Jahren 2000-2017 und analysiert die Faktoren, die auf das Mindestlohnwachstum Einfluss nehmen. Dabei wird überprüft, ob Unterschiede beim Mindestlohnwachstum mit institutionellen Unterschieden zwischen den Ländern zusammenhängen oder eher von Unterschieden im Pro-Kopf-Einkommen der Länder herrühren. Zu den institutionellen Unterschieden gehören die für die Anpassung des Mindestlohns verantwortlichen Akteure (z. B. Regierung, Sozialpartner, Experten), aber auch länderspezifische Wirtschaftsstrukturen. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass sich die Mindestlohnanpassungen in West- und Osteuropa nicht nur im Umfang sondern auch hinsichtlich der institutionellen Einflüsse deutlich unterscheiden. Die Wachstumsraten in Osteuropa sind merklich höher als in Westeuropa. Ursächlich hierfür ist jedoch nicht der osteuropäische Aufholprozess beim Pro-Kopf-Einkommen, sondern sehr viel aktiveres Regierungshandeln im Vergleich zu Westeuropa. In Westeuropa zeigt sich dagegen ein Zusammenhang zwischen dem Mindestlohnwachstum und der Struktur der Wirtschaft. Je mehr das Wirtschaftswachstum von Exporten abhängt, desto schwächer fällt das Wachstum des Mindestlohns aus. Umgekehrt gilt, dass ein größerer Einfluss des Binnenkonsums auf das Wirtschaftswachstum mit einem höheren Wachstum des Mindestlohns einhergeht." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

Zitatform

Grünberger, Klaus, Edlira Narazani, Stefano Filauro & Aron Kiss (2021): Social and fiscal impacts of statutory minimum wages in EU countries. A microsimulation analysis with EUROMOD. (JRC working papers on taxation and structural reforms 2021-06), Seville, 44 S.

Abstract

"This paper analyses the first-round effects of hypothetical minimum wage increases on social outcomes in 21 EU countries with a statutory national minimum wage based on a microsimulation approach using EUROMOD. The methodological challenges related to the use of available EU household survey data are described, along with the choices made to address these challenges. The paper assesses hypothetical scenarios in which countries with a statutory national minimum wage increase their minimum wage to various reference values, set in relation to the gross national median and average wage. The model simulations suggest that minimum wage increases can significantly reduce in-work poverty, wage inequality and the gender pay gap, while generally improving the public budget balance. The implied wage increases for the beneficiaries are substantial, while the implied increases in the aggregate wage bill and, as a consequence, possible negative employment impacts, are generally modest." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Lübker, Malte & Thorsten Schulten (2021): WSI-Mindestlohnbericht 2021. Ist Europa auf dem Weg zu angemessenen Mindestlöhnen? In: WSI-Mitteilungen, Jg. 74, H. 2 Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, S. 127-139. DOI:10.5771/0342-300X-2021-2-127

Abstract

"Ende 2020 hat die Europäische Kommission einen ersten Entwurf für eine Richtlinie über angemessene Mindestlöhne vorgelegt. Ausgangspunkt ist die Überlegung, dass die Mindestlöhne in fast allen Mitgliedsstaaten unter der international üblichen Schwelle von 60 % des Medianlohns bzw. 50 % des Durchschnittslohns liegen und damit für ein menschenwürdiges Leben nicht ausreichen. Der diesjährige WSI-Mindestlohnbericht dokumentiert, dass zum Erreichen dieser Richtwerte in den meisten Ländern deutliche Anhebungen der Mindestlöhne notwendig sind. Auch wenn das Wachstum der Mindestlöhne in der EU in diesem Jahr – bedingt durch die Corona-Pandemie – mit nur 3,1 % (nominal) bzw. 1,6 % (real) deutlich geringer ausfällt als in den Vorjahren, so zeigen internationale Erfahrungswerte, dass Mindestlohnsteigerungen in der erforderlichen Größenordnung mittelfristig ein realistisches Ziel sind. Von einer entsprechenden Anhebung der Mindestlöhne würden in der EU 25,3 Mio. Beschäftigten profitieren, davon 6,8 Mio. in Deutschland. Die Initiative der Europäischen Kommission verdeutlicht damit auch den politischen Handlungsbedarf in Deutschland, wo 60 % des Medianlohns einem Mindestlohn von ca. 12 € entsprechen." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

Zitatform

Lübker, Malte & Thorsten Schulten (2021): WSI-Mindestlohnbericht 2021. Ist Europa auf dem Weg zu angemessenen Mindestlöhnen? (WSI-Report 63), Düsseldorf, 18 S.

Abstract

"Angemessene Mindestlöhne für alle Beschäftigten in Europa sind das Ziel, das die Europäische Kommission mit einem Ende 2020 vorgestellten Richtlinienentwurf verfolgt. Um ein menschenwürdiges Einkommen zu ermöglichen, müssen die Mindestlöhne in nahezu allen EU-Mitgliedsländern erheblich steigen - ein mittelfristiges Vorhaben, welches nach Berechnungen der Kommission deutlich positive soziale Auswirkungen hätte. So würden mehr als 25 Mio. Beschäftigte in Europa davon profitieren, wenn die gesetzlichen Mindestlöhne auf 60 % des Medianlohns bzw. 50 % des Durchschnittslohns angehoben werden würden. Allein in Deutschland, wo 60 % des Medians einem Mindestlohn von rund 12 entsprechen, gäbe es gut 6,8 Mio. Begünstigte." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

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Maarek, Paul & Elliot Moiteaux (2021): Polarization, employment and the minimum wage: Evidence from European local labor markets. In: Labour Economics, Jg. 73. DOI:10.1016/j.labeco.2021.102076

Abstract

"The labor market is becoming increasingly polarized as routine jobs disappear. In the flexible US labor market, this has had a limited impact on employment due to the strong employment growth in low-paying manual occupations for workers who are not able to reallocate to high-paying abstract occupations. This may not be the case in some rigid wage European economies, which are capable of creating fewer low-paying manual jobs. We study the effect of a decrease in the proportion of routine jobs on employment and participation rates, conditionally on the level of the minimum wage, in European local labor markets. Our OLS and IV estimates show that the polarization process has a negative impact on employment and participation rates in high minimum wage countries only." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku, © 2022 Elsevier) ((en))

Zitatform

Detragiache, Enrica, Christian H. Ebeke, La-Bhus Fah Jirasavetakul, Koralai Kirabaeva, Davide Malacrino, Florian Misch, Hyun Woo Park & Yu Shi (2020): A European Minimum Wage: Implications for Poverty and Macroeconomic Imbalances. (IMF working paper 2020,59), Washington, DC, 46 S.

Abstract

"A hypothetical European Minimum Wage (MW) set at 60 percent of each country's median wage would reduce in-work poverty but have limited effects on overall poverty, as many poor households do not earn a wage near MW and higher unemployment, higher prices, and a loss of social insurance benefits may erode direct benefits. Turning to competitiveness, since the MW increase to reach the European standard would be larger in euro area countries with excessive external surpluses, the associated real appreciation should help curb existing imbalances. However, a few countries with already weak external positions would experience an undesirable real appreciation." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Fahrenbruch, Walter (2020): Zur Anwendbarkeit des Mindestlohngesetzes beim grenzüberschreitenden Gütertransport. (Studien zum deutschen und europäischen Arbeitsrecht 85), Baden-Baden: Nomos, 234 S. DOI:10.5771/9783748910435

Abstract

"Die Arbeit behandelt Frage, ob bei ausländischen Lkw-Fahrern/-innen, die in Erfüllung ihrer Arbeitspflicht lediglich durch das deutsche Gebiet fahren oder sich dorthin zur Be- und/oder Entladung begeben und es wieder verlassen, für die Zeit ihres Aufenthaltes in Deutschland das deutsche Mindestlohngesetz Anwendung findet. Zunächst wird die Anwendbarkeit des deutschen Mindestlohngesetzes nach den Vorgaben des internationalen Privatrechts untersucht. Sodann wird die Vereinbarkeit einer umfassenden Geltung des Mindestlohngesetzes im Lichte des Europarechts geprüft. Letztlich wird erörtert, welchen Nutzen eine umfassende Geltung für das betroffene ausländische Fahrpersonal tatsächlich hätte." (Autorenreferat, © Nomos)

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Gerritsen, Aart & Bas Jacobs (2020): Is a minimum wage an appropriate instrument for redistribution? In: Economica, Jg. 87, H. 347, S. 611–637. DOI:10.1111/ecca.12323

Abstract

"We analyse the redistributional (dis)advantages of a minimum wage over income taxation in competitive labour markets without imposing assumptions on the (in)efficiency of labour rationing. Compared to a distributionally equivalent tax change, a minimum-wage increase raises involuntary unemployment, but also raises skill formation as some individuals avoid unemployment. A minimum wage is an appropriate instrument for redistribution if and only if the public revenue gains from additional skill formation outweigh both the public revenue losses from additional unemployment and the utility losses of inefficient labour rationing. We show that this critically depends on how labour rationing is distributed among workers. A necessary condition for the desirability of a minimum-wage increase is that the public revenue gains from higher skill formation outweigh the revenue losses from higher unemployment. We write this condition in terms of measurable sufficient statistics." (Author's abstract, Published by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons) ((en))

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Kucera, Tomas (2020): Are Employment Effects of Minimum Wage the Same Across the EU? A Meta-Regression Analysis. (IEW working paper / Institut Ekonomických Studií (Prag) 2020,02), Praha, 39 S.

Abstract

"There is still an ongoing debate on employment effects of minimum wage. Not only the magnitude, but also the direction of the effect is a matter of concern. Economic theory on its own cannot unanimously resolve the dispute as it provides concepts within which both negative and positive effects are conceivable. In order to integrate the empirical findings, I deployed a meta-regression analysis (MRA) to systematically review 187 estimates from 18 empirical studies that estimated minimum wage elasticities of employment for countries of the EU. The results show that, overall, there is no practically significant employment effect of minimum wage. Also, no evidence of publication selection bias was found. A more sophisticated, multivariate MRA identified differential effects for specific industries, namely residential home care and retail sector for which the employment effects are significantly negative. The results also indicate that minimum wage negatively affects female employment. Finally, the multiple MRA also investigated whether the employment effects differ across three wider regions of the EU (the West, the South, and the East). The results provide robust evidence of significant differential effects, and show that minimum wage has moderately negative employment effects in the eastern countries of the EU." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Roth, Duncan (2020): Nichteinhaltung des Mindestlohns in Deutschland. Stellungnahme des IAB zur öffentlichen Anhörung des Ausschusses für Arbeit, Gesundheit und Soziales im Landtag Nordrhein-Westfalen am 9.9.2020. (IAB-Stellungnahme 07/2020), Nürnberg, 11 S.

Abstract

"Seit dem 1. Januar 2015 gilt in Deutschland ein einheitlicher gesetzlicher Mindestlohn. Zwar belegen Forschungsergebnisse einen positiven Effekt auf Löhne am unteren Ende der Lohnverteilung, der mit der Einführung des Mindestlohns einhergeht. Dieser Befund bedeutet jedoch nicht, dass es keine Unterschreitung des Mindestlohns gibt. Wie viele Personen unterhalb der Mindestlohngrenze bezahlt werden, ist bisher nicht abschließend geklärt worden. Die Einschätzungen zu dieser Frage reichen von etwa 483.000 Personen im Jahr 2018 bis zu 2,4 Millionen Personen. In dieser Stellungnahme werden die Schwierigkeiten beschrieben, das Ausmaß der Nichteinhaltung mit den vorliegenden Datensätzen abzuschätzen. Für eine bessere Einordnung werden darüber hinaus entsprechende Einschätzungen zur Mindestlohnunterschreitung aus anderen Ländern zusammengefasst. Abschließend werden aktuelle Erkenntnisse zur Frage beschrieben, inwiefern die Aufzeichnungspflicht dazu beiträgt, das Ausmaß der Nichteinhaltung zu reduzieren." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

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Schulten, Thorsten & Malte Lübker (2020): WSI-Mindestlohnbericht 2020. Europäische Mindestlohninitiative vor dem Durchbruch? (WSI-Report 55), Düsseldorf, 15 S.

Abstract

"2020 könnte in Europa das Jahr des Mindestlohns werden. Erstmals hat die Europäische Kommission die Initiative für eine europäische Mindestlohnpolitik ergriffen, um überall in Europa "gerechte", d. h. armutsfeste und existenzsichernde Mindestlöhne durchzusetzen. Zugleich werden in vielen EU-Staaten Diskussionen über eine deutlich stärkere Anhebung der Mindestlöhne auf nationaler Ebene geführt. Die Debatte in Deutschland über einen Mindestlohn von 12 Euro ist folglich kein Einzelfall, sondern fügt sich ein in ein europäisches Entwicklungsmuster, das schon seit einigen Jahren eine Tendenz zu deutlich höheren Mindestlohnzuwächsen aufweist. Eine europäische Mindestlohnpolitik könnte den Trend zu höheren Mindestlöhnen weiter beschleunigen und die verschiedenen nationalen Initiativen in eine europäische Gesamtstrategie einbetten." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

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Dingeldey, Irene (2019): Mindestlöhne und Tarifpolitik in den Branchen. Ein deutsch-niederländischer Vergleich. In: N. Burzan (Hrsg.) (2019): Komplexe Dynamiken globaler und lokaler Entwicklungen, Göttingen, S. 1-10.

Abstract

"Der Beitrag untersucht die Frage, ob der Einfluss des Mindestlohns auf die Tarifpolitik innerhalb eines Landes sich nach Branchen differenziert. Um diese Frage zu beantworten, werden die Metall- und Elektroindustrie, die Gebäudereinigung und der Einzelhandel in Deutschland und den Niederlanden vergleichend analysiert. Dabei lehnen wir uns an die vorliegende Typologie von Grimshaw und Bosch (2013) bzw. Bosch und Weinkopf (2013) an, um mögliche Differenzen zwischen den Ländern und Branchen zu identifizieren. Berücksichtigt wird auch, inwiefern die beobachteten Wechselwirkungen dazu beitragen, dass die untersten Tariflöhne in den Branchen über der Niedriglohnschwelle liegen." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

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Köppl-Turyna, Monika, Michael Christl & Dénes Kucsera (2019): Beschäftigungseffekte von Mindestlöhnen. Die Dosis macht das Gift. In: Ifo-Schnelldienst, Jg. 72, H. 2, S. 40-46.

Abstract

"Die Diskussion über die Beschäftigungseffekte von Mindestlöhnen ist seit vielen Jahrzehnten in Gange. In ihrem Beitrag verwenden Monika Köppl-Turyna, Michael Christl und Dénes Kucsera, Agenda Austria, ihr empirisches Modell, das auf der Annahme von nicht-linearen Beschäftigungseffekten von Mindestlöhnen basiert. Diese Effekte entstehen aus zwei Gründen: Einerseits reduzieren Unternehmen aufgrund höherer Mindestlöhne die Anzahl der angebotenen Stellen, anderseits führen steigende Löhne zu einem höheren Anreiz, einen Job anzunehmen. Der signifikante, nicht-lineare empirische Zusammenhang zwischen Mindestlohn und Beschäftigung ermöglicht die Berechnung einer Mindestlohnhöhe, bei der die Beschäftigung maximiert wird. Diese Höhe des Mindestlohns hängt nicht nur von der Arbeitsproduktivität, sondern auch von der Konjunktur ab. In wirtschaftlich guten Zeiten beziehungsweise in Ländern mit hoher Arbeitsproduktivität ist ein höherer Mindestlohn ohne negative Beschäftigungseffekte möglich. Für Deutschland kommen die Autoren zu dem Ergebnis, dass der derzeitige Mindestlohn beinahe dem Optimalen entspricht. Es zeigt sich aber auch, dass bei einer veränderten Konjunktur oder bei einer Anhebung des Mindestlohns mit stärkeren negativen Beschäftigungseffekten zu rechnen ist." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

Zitatform

Pereira, João M. R. & Aurora Galego (2019): Diverging trends of wage inequality in Europe. In: Oxford economic papers, Jg. 71, H. 4, S. 799-823. DOI:10.1093/oep/gpy072

Abstract

"Since the middle/end of the 2000s wage inequality has increased in some European countries (such as Portugal or the UK) and decreased in others (especially in Hungary and Poland). In this article, we analyse the role of the minimum wage and of workers' and firms' observed characteristics behind these diverging trends in wage inequality. Our findings indicate that compositional changes as regards education are a key factor pushing up inequality in the majority of the countries, but particularly in Italy and Portugal. Other factors either contribute to increased or decreased inequality, specifically minimum wage changes, the percentage of non-native employees and native wage premiums. Minimum wage changes seem to be of crucial importance in Greece, Hungary and Poland. Finally, the presence of non-natives in the labour market is a key determinant in the UK, but also to some extent in Austria and Hungary." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))