A proposal by the German Federal Minister of Agriculture, Alois Rainer (CSU), to introduce exemptions to the minimum wage for seasonal agricultural workers has been deemed legally untenable. According to reports in the “Rheinische Post” the plan faced insurmountable legal obstacles.
The newspaper states that a commissioned legal review conducted within the ministry concluded that such a special regulation would violate Germany’s constitutional prohibition of discrimination. This principle, enshrined in the Basic Law, prevents the implementation of policies that treat certain groups differently based on factors such as origin.
Minister Rainer had previously indicated he was open to exploring options regarding minimum wage regulations for seasonal workers, initiating the internal review following a suggestion by the President of the German Farmers’ Association, Joachim Rukwied. Rukwied’s proposal advocated for limiting the minimum wage for foreign seasonal employees to 80 percent, a topic that gained traction ahead of the Farmers’ Day event. Rainer reiterated his intention to pursue this matter during the Farmers’ Day proceedings.
The minister’s initiative faced significant resistance within the governing coalition, with the Social Democratic Party (SPD) maintaining a firm opposition to any special regulations concerning the minimum wage. The failed proposal highlights the ongoing debate surrounding labor practices and regulations within the agricultural sector.
