Das Mindestlohngesetz — Hoffnungen und Befürchtungen

The German government plans to introduce a minimum wage from 2015. This must be understood as a response to the decline in collective bargaining coverage and the marked increase in employment in the low-wage sector. The authors discuss how many workers are affected by this new regulation and whether the minimum wage is too high in relation to the average wage of workers (Kaitz index). They assume that the introduction of a minimum wage in Germany can have a number of effects. It is not possible to forecast all the reactions and behaviour of market participants to handle higher wages and goods prices. Some authors warn that these measures are significant labour market interventions that could have adverse employment effects. They recommend allowing more exemptions from the minimum wage law than intended by the government, especially for young employees and student apprentices. Other authors hope that minimum wages would help to strengthen collective bargaining and stabilise wages. Some authors emphasise that there should be a careful evaluation of the economic effects by scientists.     

Sharing Economy: Mehr Chancen als Risiken?

This article analyses the pros and cons of the new profit-oriented sharing economy. It summarises existing studies on the economic effects of Uber and Airbnb with a special focus on the repercussions for the labor market. It turns out that both business models could lead to additional revenues and employment rather than just crowding-out existing business models. However, unfair competition, exploitation of the self-employed and the destruction of cheap housing seem to be issues. Therefore, the authors conclude that neither laissez-faire nor a ban is the right answer. In order to allow for more growth and employment, appropriate regulation is needed.     

Die Demografi estrategie der Bundesregierung — ein Weg zu mehr Wohlstand?

How can Germany maintain its high standard of living as its workforce decreases in number and there are ever fewer skilled workers available? The economic challenge associated with demographic change is to achieve a productivity increase large enough to prevent a decline in the principal indicator of prosperity — per capita GDP. Does the demographic strategy pursued by Germany in 2012 refl ect this central challenge? Only to a certain extent. The core message of this paper is that qualifi cation — in the form of lifelong learning — is a central driver of increased productivity and is, by extension, the sustainable solution for Germany.     

Basisgeld plus Steuergutschriften statt Hartz IV

Wirtschaftsdienst - The author proposes randomised controlled trials in Germany with a partial non-conditional basic income scheme in combination with tax credits for full-time employment of...