Work in the meat industry is often physically strenuous. It is a branch in which many employees work for companies registered outside Germany; the workers are posted for a limited period to Germany.

This has put pressure on wages in the branch. There have to date been few coordinated wage structures. Until the end of 2013 there were no coordinated tariff wages at regional or national level.

Foundations laid for minimum wage

The incorporation of meat processing in the list of branches covered by the provisions of the German law on the posting of workers lays the foundation for extending the new minimum wage agreement to all employers and employees working in this branch.

A decree will then lay out in more specific terms the minimum working conditions.

Fair competition in Germany and Europe

A minimum wage for the meat industry would also apply to employers registered outside Germany and to the workers they post to Germany. This should help ensure fair competition within Germany and Europe.