While some industries need fewer seasonal workers due to reduced production, companies in other areas are desperately looking for staff.
Erfurt/Kutzleben (dpa/th) – There are big differences in the labor market for seasonal workers in Thuringia, depending on the industry. “Overall, we are facing a major challenge when it comes to personnel,” explains Dirk Ellinger, General Manager of the German Hotel and Restaurant Association in Thuringia (Dehoga Thüringen). The shortage of workers ranges from seasonal workers to specialist staff, and all areas of work are affected, from the kitchen to cleaning to hotel and restaurant operations. “I don’t know of any colleague who isn’t looking for staff.”
The main reason for the tense situation is the uncertain development of the corona situation in autumn. With a view to possible new restrictions in autumn and winter, the hotel and catering industry urgently needs clear perspectives from politics and administration. The guests in the gastronomy area are currently returning and the hotels are well booked. Some places may not be able to accept new guests until August.
“In September, however, the reservations decrease significantly and tear off completely in October,” says Ellinger. Under these conditions, many employees shy away from entering or re-entering the industry. During the Corona lockdowns, many would have had to accept significant salary losses due to short-time work and a lack of income from tips, or they would have had to look for a new job. “We therefore need perspectives and clear guidelines above all,” demands Ellinger. If possible, there should be no further closures.
The situation on farms is completely different: “In my opinion, when it comes to seasonal workers, the problem is more the need than the supply,” summarizes Simon Horstmann, branch secretary for forestry and the green area of ??the industrial trade union Bauen-Agrar-Umwelt. In agriculture, labour-intensive varieties are sometimes less cultivated, which means that the need for seasonal workers has fallen. In addition, more and more seasonal workers are drawn to sectors with better working conditions, such as logistics or the construction industry.
According to managing director Jan-Niclas Imholze, the demand for seasonal workers at the Spargelhof Kutzleben was covered this year. It is to be expected that the agreed minimum wage of 12 euros will initially stabilize demand for work in agriculture.
The IG Bauen-Agrar-Umwelt also assumes this: The minimum wage is “a modern decision that goes in the right direction,” says Horstmann. In order to keep the work attractive, however, further efforts are necessary: ??Dubious placement offers ensure a high level of fluctuation because empty promises made by the placement agents are not kept. In addition, there must be more payslips in the native language of the employees. The Ministry of Labor sees some catching up to do when it comes to informing workers about the rights to which they are entitled. The “Fair Mobility” project is intended to help provide better information and advice to workers from the east of the EU.
