Exemption Petition for Seasonal Jobs and Minimum Wage Exemption - Proposal for a Wage Exemption for Temporary Workers During Seasonal Periods by the Commission.
In the heart of Germany, the agricultural sector in Rhineland-Palatinate and Rhineland-Nassau regions is currently engaged in discussions over an exception rule for the minimum wage in seasonal activities. The demand for special treatment, particularly in sectors like vegetable gardening, has been highlighted by figures such as Sertac Bilgin.
The Association of Farmers and Winemakers Rhineland-Nassau e.V. has proposed a solution that, if the statutory minimum wage exceeds €16.03, a rate of 80% should apply to seasonal workers. This move is part of broader discussions about the minimum wage for seasonal workers, especially in sectors like agriculture, where labor needs are seasonal and variable.
Thomas Richter, the chairman of the agricultural employers' association, has demanded an exception rule for the statutory minimum wage in seasonal activities. He believes that the proposed regulation could secure regional structures in agriculture, promote self-sufficiency in fruit and vegetable production, and even have environmental benefits by reducing imports and associated transportation.
The Minimum Wage Commission has recommended a gradual increase of the statutory minimum wage to 13.90 euros per hour from January 1, 2026. However, this change does not specifically address seasonal workers' wages. The association's proposal for an adapted regulation is focused on the environmental aspects of agriculture, particularly reducing transportation and imports.
The current minimum wage of 12.82 euros per hour is set to continue applying to seasonal workers, according to the association's proposal. This is aimed at securing family farms and ensuring consumer-friendly production in Germany. However, the association warns that a recommended minimum wage increase could exacerbate the reduction in the area of labor-intensive crops such as asparagus, berries, or tree fruit.
Thomas Richter has expressed concerns about the potential impacts, stating that businesses are already struggling with massive competitive pressure from cheaper imports. He links this proposed regulation to the federal government's goal of expanding self-sufficiency in fruit and vegetables.
The proposed regulation is also aimed at avoiding climate-damaging transports and imports in agriculture. If the statutory minimum wage exceeds 16.03 euros, a rate of 80 percent would apply to seasonal workers in the future. The association's advocacy for an adapted regulation is intended to secure regional structures and promote self-sufficiency in fruit and vegetable production.
The Association of Farmers and Winemakers Rhineland-Nassau e.V.'s proposed regulation for seasonal workers' wage in agriculture, specifically considering sectors like vegetable gardening, aligns with broader discussions in the business industry about employment policy. The proposed exception rule for the statutory minimum wage, with an 80% rate applying if it exceeds €16.03, isalso linked to finance aspects, as it could reduce imports and associated transportation costs, thus promoting self-sufficiency in fruit and vegetable production.
