Approximately a third of individuals are making below 2750 Euro - A significant portion of the population brings in less than 2,750 euros in earnings.
**Headline:** Wage Inequality and Poverty Risk in Thuringia: A Concern for Germany's Workforce
In a recent statement, Dietmar Bartsch of the Left Party, has highlighted the issue of low wages in Germany, particularly in the eastern state of Thuringia. According to Bartsch, more than one-third of full-time employees in the region earn less than 2,750 euros gross per month, a figure that he suggests could lead to pensions at the poverty level. This statistic, along with other data, raises questions about Germany's status as a high-wage country.
Nationwide, 20.9 percent of people earn less than 2,750 euros and 41.6 percent less than 3,500 euros. These figures underscore the prevalence of low wages in Germany, a situation that Bartsch has termed a "million-strong wage problem."
Last year, companies in Germany paid an average of 43.40 euros in gross wages and wage-related costs per hour worked. However, this average wage does not necessarily translate to a comfortable living for many workers. With sometimes exorbitant rental costs and rising prices for food and energy, it is a challenge for millions of people to cover the necessary costs of daily life in Germany.
A monthly gross wage of more than around 3,300 euros is necessary to receive a statutory pension at the poverty risk threshold, a figure that is out of reach for many workers. It is important to note that other forms of old-age provision are not taken into account in the calculation of the statutory pension at the poverty risk threshold.
While Thuringia faces the highest proportion of people below the 3,500 euro threshold, no other federal state in Germany is immune to the issue of low wages. Berlin, being a major metropolitan area, tends to have higher wages compared to regions like Thuringia. However, the cost of living in Berlin is also higher, which can influence wage levels. Jobs in Berlin, particularly in sectors like technology and startups, might offer salaries closer to or above the national average due to the city's economic vibrancy.
Migrants in Germany, including those residing in regions like Berlin and potentially Thuringia, face significant wage disparities compared to native-born Germans, with first-generation migrants earning nearly 20% less. Certain industries, such as banking, finance, science, and law, tend to offer higher salaries nationwide, which might apply to both Berlin and Thuringia but with more opportunities in Berlin.
In conclusion, while specific wage data for Thuringia and Berlin are not detailed in the available sources, it's clear that Berlin tends to offer higher salaries due to its economic and cultural significance. Thuringia, as a less industrialized region, may face challenges in matching the national average. The wage gap for migrants is a persistent issue across Germany, affecting both regions. The issue of low wages and its impact on poverty risk is a pressing concern that requires further attention and action.
- To address the poverty risk in Thuringia, the community could implement a policy that emphasizes vocational training to help workers improve their skillsets and secure better-paying jobs.
- Businesses in Thuringia could seek financial assistance to implement vocational training programs, which could help reduce wage inequality and alleviate the poverty risk in the region.
