Stuttgart (dpa / lsw) – According to the German Federation of Trade Unions, around 740,000 employees in Baden-Württemberg will receive the minimum wage, which will increase to 12 euros from October 1st. DGB country chief Kai Burmeister said on Tuesday in Stuttgart that the new lower wage limit would primarily help women and those in marginal employment. Employers have often denied workers decent wages, particularly in sectors such as hospitality, delivery services and retail. And in companies without collective agreements, low wages are paid particularly often.

The statutory lower wage limit is currently EUR 10.45 gross per hour. This corresponds to the decision of the Minimum Wage Commission made up of representatives from employers, trade unions and science, which regularly adjusts the amount. On October 1st, at the request of politicians, there will be an unscheduled one-time jump to 12 euros per hour. In addition, there are collectively agreed minimum wages in several sectors.