The German CDU party voted on a proposal that allows exceptions to the minimum wage for seasonal workers in agriculture, sparking political controversy.

The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) recently adopted a proposal that allows for exceptions to the minimum wage for seasonal workers in agriculture, sparking immediate reactions and political controversy. German law guarantees a minimum wage for all employees, but the CDU argues that seasonal workers pay fewer taxes and social contributions.

Critics from the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and trade unions emphasize that this measure would undermine social standards and create a "second-class minimum wage." Approximately 28% of the agricultural workforce consists of seasonal workers, many of whom are Romanians, and any changes to the rules could directly affect their incomes. The minimum wage in Germany recently increased to 13.90 euros per hour, and is set to reach 14.60 euros.