Jobs out – Are Mini-Jobs about to be erased?

Minijobs are on the verge of being phased out.

Everyone is familiar with them: Many people have kept their heads above water during their studies—or earned a little extra money alongside their vocational training—with a minijob at the café down the street or at the local supermarket. Now, the Pension Commission appointed by the federal government has proposed largely abolishing them.

According to Minijobzentrale, this would affect nearly seven million people in Germany. The largest group of minijob workers is employed in the retail and hospitality sectors. Opposition is coming primarily from these industries. According to the Bavarian Hotel and Restaurant Association, the plans “ignore the realities of business operations.”

What exactly is set to change: According to the Pension Commission’s recommendations, the special social security status of minijobs is to be eliminated. Employees would then contribute to pension, long-term care, and health insurance funds. This is intended to strengthen employees’ pension entitlements and lead to significant additional revenue for the social security funds.

But there is also criticism: Employer representatives emphasize the particular flexibility of minijobs and warn of labor shortages in retail and seasonal industries.

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• Tanks Instead of Cars: In Wolfsburg, traditionally the home of the VW Group, recruitment for the German Armed Forces is currently in full swing and is bringing (€) the army a record-breaking number of applicants.

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This text first appeared as an editorial in the weekly politjobs newsletter. If you’d like to receive this newsletter—featuring the latest jobs in the political arena—directly by email every Wednesday, you can subscribe here.