A statutory minimum wage has been in place in Germany since 1 January 2015. The Federal Government has established a Minimum Wage Commission (Mindestlohnkommission, MLK) to adjust the minimum wage amount. The Commission is supported by a Coordination and Information Office established as Unit 1.5 at the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
The purpose of Unit 1.4 is to support the Minimum Wage Commission scientifically, technically and organisationally in performing its tasks. The Unit's tasks particularly include the following:
- Scientific evaluation of the impact of the minimum wage on protection of workers, conditions of competition and employment with regard to certain industries and regions as well as on productivity
- Contact office for all questions concerning the minimum wage
- Provision of information and advice on minimum wage to workers, employers and companies
- Professional exchange with the customs administrations and the responsible Federal Ministries
- Planning, organisation and recording of meetings
- Management of the budget allocated to the Minimum Wage Commission