On the minimum wage initiative of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania : the wage and employment effects of generally binding minimum wage levels

Abstract

"A petition of the popular initiative 'For a minimum wage of ten euros per hour' in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (printed document 6/1020 of the State Parliament of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania) aims at a country-wide, uniform, comprehensive minimum wage of ten Euros per hour; the State of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is to promote this initiative in the Bundesrat (German Federal Assembly). In its statement on this topic, IAB comes to the conclusion that a general legal minimum wage in Germany could underpin the collective wage system as a lower limit. However, it is decisive to use sound judgement in setting the level of the minimum wage in order to avoid any possible unintended negative effects on the employment situation. A regional differentiation in the minimum wage level would make allowances for differing economic framework conditions and different labour market opportunities throughout Germany. However this should not be on too small a scale. In the light of international experience, special regulations for groups of persons who have difficulty in gaining access to the labour market would be advisable." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Cite article

Möller, J. & Stops, M. (2012): Zur Mindestlohn-Initiative aus Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Lohn- und Beschäftigungswirkungen von allgemeinverbindlichen Lohnuntergrenzen. Schriftliche Anhörung des Ausschusses für Arbeit, Gleichstellung und Soziales des Landtags Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. (IAB-Stellungnahme 06/2012), Nürnberg, 13 p.