Munich, Bavaria, Germany – The new year brings a welcome financial boost for approximately 167,900 mini-jobbers in Munich. As of January, the minimum wage will increase by 1.08 Euros to 13.90 Euros per hour, consequently raising the monthly earnings limit to 603 Euros. This adjustment means that mini-jobbers working 10 hours a week will see an additional 47 Euros in their monthly income, as explained by Tim Lünnemann, Managing Director of the Food, Beverages and Catering Union (NGG) Munich. “Most mini-jobbers only receive the statutory minimum wage. And that will increase from January. For mini-jobbers, this means that if they work 10 hours a week, they should have 47 Euros more in their account from the turn of the year,” Lünnemann stated.
Are Mini-Jobbers Second-Class Employees? The Union’s Stance
Despite the pay increase, the NGG remains highly critical of the mini-job system, advocating for the rights of these marginally employed individuals and challenging their frequent treatment as second-class workers. Lünnemann emphatically declared, “Mini-jobbers are not second-class employees – and they must not be treated as such.” The union observes a pervasive tendency to view mini-jobbers as temporary helpers with fewer rights than their full-time counterparts.
This employment model is particularly prevalent in the gastronomy sector. According to figures from the Employment Agency, around 25,800 mini-jobbers are employed in Munich’s restaurants, inns, and hotels alone. “Whether at the Christmas market or in the summer beer garden – whether in the restaurant kitchen, in the canteen, at the bakery or meat counter: companies use mini-jobs to keep things running economically in the state capital,” Lünnemann highlighted, underscoring the widespread reliance on this form of employment.
Equal Rights for All: NGG Fights for Mini-Jobbers’ Entitlements
Lünnemann clarified that mini-jobbers are entitled to the same rights as other employees. “If a mini-jobber performs the same work as a full-time employee with the same qualifications, then they also deserve the same hourly wage. Because a mini-job does not always mean minimum wage. In addition, mini-jobbers are also entitled to vacation,” he asserted. Furthermore, mini-jobbers are entitled to continued payment during illness. The union also stressed that bonuses for weekend or night work, as well as holiday and Christmas bonuses, must be paid if these are customary within the company. “If there are surcharges for weekend or night work in the company, then mini-jobbers must not be left out. The same applies to holiday and Christmas bonuses,” the trade unionist made clear.
The Double-Edged Sword of Mini-Jobs: Extra Income vs. Social Security Concerns
While mini-jobs offer an avenue for supplementary income, the NGG Munich maintains a critical view of their high prevalence. Lünnemann warned, “Mini-jobs displace jobs subject to social security contributions. Only regular jobs offer employees complete social security protection – from pensions to care to unemployment.” Consequently, the union advocates for the abolition of mini-jobs in their current form, arguing they undermine comprehensive social welfare.
The Gendered Impact: 55% of Munich’s Mini-Jobbers are Women
The NGG disputes the notion that mini-jobs serve as a stepping stone into the regular labor market, often characterizing them as precarious low-wage employment. “Mini-jobs are often precarious jobs in the low-wage sector,” Lünnemann emphasized. The situation is particularly concerning for women, who constitute 55 percent of all marginally employed individuals in Munich. “Often, young mothers initially take on a mini-job on the side to return to full-time employment later. But many do not succeed in doing so. Especially if the company does not cooperate and does not offer them jobs with more weekly hours. The mini-job thus becomes a professional dead end – with all the consequences that this entails. Up to a significantly lower pension,” the NGG Managing Director cautioned, highlighting the long-term economic vulnerability these roles can create.
Source: https://www.tz.de/muenchen/stadt/muenchen-duerfen-nicht-so-behandelt-werden-gute-nachrichten-fuer-mini-jobber-in-94094942.html
