Unions- und verfassungsrechtliche Zulässigkeit eines Mindestlohnabschlags für Saisonbeschäftigte in der Landwirtschaft

This book contains an expert opinion based on a practical inquiry. It demonstrates that a moderate, sector-specific reduction in the statutory minimum wage for seasonal workers in agriculture does not violate either the Grundgesetz or EU law. The purpose of the German Minimum Wage Act is, in fact, to prevent wage-undercutting competition by establishing a market-based minimum wage floor, thereby cumulatively protecting both workers and social security systems. However, these functions are not achieved — and are even further undermined — when an excessively high minimum wage leads to widespread job losses and jeopardizes the security of supply.