TMV in alliance with the German Retail Federation (HDE) against a 15-euro minimum wage

For the Taxi and Rental Car Association of Germany (TMV) has drawn a clear line together with the German Retail Federation (HDE): Against a politically determined minimum wage of 15 euros – and for collective bargaining autonomy. At a meeting in Berlin, where TMV President Thomas Kroker, Managing Director Patrick Meinhardt, TMV Office Manager Nico Höttges, and HDE Head Stefan Genth came together, the concern was palpable: A nationwide minimum wage of this amount, according to the core message, is not sustainable for many medium-sized businesses. The sector is already groaning under increased energy costs, inflation, and competition with international platform providers.

The criticism is directed at politics

The minimum wage, according to Kroker and Meinhardt, is the responsibility of the independent Minimum Wage Commission – not of coalition negotiations or day-to-day political decisions.

"Politically determined minimum wages are poison for our country,"

the TMV approvingly quotes a joint advertisement by several associations that was recently placed in the Bild newspaper. There is fear of a domino effect: bankruptcies, rising unemployment, and burdens on social security systems.

According to TMV, the taxi industry would be particularly affected. Unlike other sectors, taxi and rental car businesses cannot simply raise their prices themselves – they are bound by municipal tariffs. For comprehensive wage adjustments, new negotiations at the district level would be needed nationwide. An effort that would overwhelm many smaller entrepreneurs.

Moreover, the association points to a barely noticed side effect: Medical transport services, which are an important part of the business for many taxi companies, would become more than 16 percent more expensive according to TMV's calculation. Consequently, statutory health insurance funds would have to raise an additional 1.32 billion euros – with implications for all contributors.

The "Honorable Merchant" Does the Math

Despite the bold formulations, the tone remains factual. The association sees itself as a representative of the "Honorable Merchant" and explicitly emphasizes: Good work deserves good pay. They are not against fair compensation, but against wages that are set for political reasons. The autonomy of collective bargaining is a pillar of the social market economy, which they wish to remain faithful to.

The appeal is directed at the politicians, especially at Gitta Connemann, designated State Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Economics and Small Business Commissioner of the Federal Government. The TMV expects the CDU to remember its own economic policy principles—and not allow the middle class to be made liable for a political price tag.