German worker sues for minimum wage in disability workshop

A landmark legal case is unfolding at the Münster Labor Court in Germany, as Jürgen Linnemann, a worker at the Freckenhorster Werkstätten, sues for the right to receive the national minimum wage. Currently, approximately 300,000 people working in disability workshops across Germany receive a form of compensation described as pocket money rather than a standard wage. Linnemann, who has worked at the facility for 40 years digitizing documents, receives roughly 200 euros per month for working three days a week. He is seeking the statutory minimum wage of 13.90 euros per hour.

The lawsuit argues that the current payment system violates the non-discrimination clause of the German Basic Law and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The United Nations has previously criticized Germany’s workshop system and its compensation models as discriminatory.

Management at the Freckenhorster Werkstätten has denied allegations of exploitation. Meanwhile, representatives from the Caritasverband in the Warendorf district expressed support for the public discourse, noting that while they desire more transparent and appreciative compensation, systemic reform requires political intervention.