In this Book
- Low-Wage Work in Germany
- Book
- 2008
- Published by: Russell Sage Foundation
- Series: Russell Sage Foundation Case Studies of Job Quality in Advanced Economies
summary
In recent years, the German government has intentionally expanded the low-wage work sector in an effort to reduce exceptionally high levels of unemployment. As a result, the share of the German workforce employed in low-paying jobs now rivals that of the United States. Low Wage Work in Germany examines both the federal policies and changing economic conditions that have driven this increase in low-wage work. The new "mini-job" reflects the federal government's attempt to make certain low-paying jobs attractive to both employers and employees. Employers pay a low flat rate for benefits, and employees, who work a limited number of hours per week, are exempt from social security and tax contributions. Other factors, including slow economic growth, a declining collective bargaining system, and the influx of foreign workers, also contribute to the growing incidence of low-wage work. Yet while both Germany and the United States have large shares of low-wage workers, German workers receive health insurance, four weeks of paid vacation, and generous old age support—benefits most low-wage workers in the United States can only dream of. The German experience offers an important opportunity to explore difficult trade-offs between unemployment and low-wage work. A Volume in the Russell Sage Foundation Case Studies of Job Quality in Advanced Economies
Table of Contents
Download Full Book
- About the Authors
- p. vii
- Introduction: The German Story
- pp. 1-14
- 1. Low-Wage Work in Germany: An Overview
- pp. 19-112
- 7. Summary and Conclusions
- pp. 288-314
Additional Information
ISBN
9781610440769
Related ISBN(s)
9780871540621
MARC Record
OCLC
835513823
Pages
336
Launched on MUSE
2012-08-22
Language
English
Open Access
No