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More money in the care sector: Heil wants to increase the minimum wage
Minister of Labor Hubertus Heil wants to raise the minimum wage for nurses. photo
© Sina Schuldt/dpa
Not only since Corona has it been clear: the workload for nursing staff is very high, the wages are low. Now the minimum wage is to rise – in two tranches.
An increase to EUR 17.35 per hour is recommended for qualified nursing assistants and nurses, from the current EUR 15.25, and for nurses an increase to EUR 20.50 (currently EUR 18.25).
“We will implement this minimum wage increase by regulation and thus create a seamless transition from the current regulation to the new one,” said Labor Minister Heil. This increase is to take place in two stages on May 1, 2024 and then on July 1, 2025.
Heil said it was clear that good and hard work had to be paid well and fairly. “Anyone who has experienced care situations in their family – I’ve experienced that too – knows that caregivers not only work hard, but also under very difficult conditions,” said Heil. “That’s why we have to ensure that the nursing staff can work healthy, motivated and with good working conditions for as long as possible.” In addition, good wages would also help against the shortage of skilled workers in this industry.