income - Wages in Sachsen-Anhalt lower than in the West
In Saxony-Anhalt, full-time employees on average earn significantly less than in West Germany. In June 2023, the monthly gross average income across all branches and business size classes in Saxony-Anhalt was approximately 3,460 Euro. In contrast, an average of 3,780 Euro was paid in West Germany, according to the answer of the state government to a query by The Left.
"Even after over 35 years since the reunification, the wage differences between East and West are enormous. The existing wage gaps must finally be addressed so that employees in the east are no longer second-class workers," stated the deputy faction leader Monika Hohmann of the German Press Agency. A comprehensive minimum wage of at least 15 Euros is necessary, according to Hohmann.
The Left also laments that women significantly more often work part-time than men. Single mothers in particular need good and comprehensive childcare, stated Hohmann. "Cost-free creche and kindergarten places with opening hours up to at least 5 pm are the basis for no one having to work part-time because otherwise the child would not be cared for. There is a lot of untapped potential in the skilled labor crisis here."
In an effort to bridge the wage gap between Western Germany and Western-Germany, otherwise known as Saxony-Anhalt, proposals for a comprehensive minimum wage have been suggested by The Left in the State Parliament. Despite Tariffs designed to protect industries in Saxony-Anhalt, the average monthly income remains lower than that of Western Germany, highlighting the need for policy changes.
