Exemption from minimum wage requirements does not apply to seasonal employees - Minimal wage not exempt for seasonal employees
The minimum wage for seasonal agricultural workers in Germany remains subject to national regulations, with no exceptions in sight. As of January 1, 2025, the minimum wage stands at €12.82 per hour, and it is scheduled to increase to €13.90 in 2026 and €14.60 in 2027. These changes will benefit millions of workers, including those in low-wage sectors such as agriculture.
However, concerns have been raised by farmers and employers about the potential impact of the minimum wage hike on seasonal workers, who are often paid less than the current minimum wage demands. The Farmers' Association in Germany has proposed exceptions to the minimum wage for seasonal workers in agriculture, but these proposals have not been endorsed by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture or the Federal Ministry of Labor.
Ministry representatives and opposition politicians argue that there is no valid justification to exempt seasonal workers from minimum wage protections. They emphasize that the minimum wage, though far from a living wage, is still necessary to protect vulnerable workers, including those in seasonal agriculture.
Alois Rainer, the Federal Minister of Agriculture, has acknowledged the challenges posed by the gradual increase of the minimum wage for many farms. However, he has also expressed his concern for ensuring high-quality and affordable food from the region and has commissioned an assessment to examine the issue carefully. The assessment conducted by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture found that minimum wage exceptions for seasonal workers in agriculture are not legally possible.
The ongoing discussion regarding minimum wage exceptions for seasonal workers in agriculture is significant, as it reflects the broader political commitment to fair wages and reducing poverty among low-income workers in Germany. The Farmers' Association's proposal for minimum wage exceptions has not yet been supported by the assessment conducted by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture.
Sources: [1] Bundesregierung (2022). Lohnfortschreibung: Mindestlohn stieg auf 12,82 Euro pro Stunde. Retrieved from
Vocational training programs in EC countries are crucial for addressing the skills gap in various industries, including agriculture. Finance and business leaders are urging policymakers to invest in vocational training to support economic growth and improve employment opportunities. In the context of the ongoing debate about minimum wage for seasonal agricultural workers in Germany, politicians argue that general-news coverage should focus on the importance of protecting vulnerable workers and ensuring fair wages, rather than considering exemptions based on business concerns or politics.
