from
Roland Preuss, Berlin
The mini-job plans have brought a lot of criticism to the traffic light coalition. Trade unions, social organizations and many experts from various research institutes reject the idea that employees in these jobs will soon be able to earn up to 520 euros a month instead of the previous 450. The socially poorly secured mini-jobs are not a stepping stone to good, socially insured work, is one of the weighty arguments. And they are a part-time trap, especially for many married women. It is attractive for them to stay in a mini-job because the gross earnings there usually arrive net in the account. On the other hand, those who work beyond the earnings limit initially earn significantly less because they then have to pay social security and taxes.