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German Red Cross Demands Equal Pay for Volunteers in Major Reform Push

Low 'pocket money' for volunteers is under fire as a new proposal demands fair pay. Could this reshape Germany's underfunded public services forever?

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The image shows a poster with a black and white picture of a group of people and text that reads...
The image shows a poster with a black and white picture of a group of people and text that reads "Everybody pays but few profit by child labor". The poster is likely advocating for the plight of children in the United States, emphasizing the importance of child labor and the need for people to pay for it.

When Young and Old Come Together, Both Sides Can Benefit

German Red Cross Demands Equal Pay for Volunteers in Major Reform Push

For politicians, voluntary service programs are a stroke of luck: In sectors they have cut to the bone, young people work for almost no pay. Many offer a ready justification—saving democracy requires mutual support. Just this Tuesday, Education Minister Karin Prien (CDU) announced plans to strengthen these programs with new legislation, urging people to do more for their country. The German Red Cross (DRK) has now responded, demanding better funding. Too often, participation fails because the "pocket money" allowance is too low. While the DRK's criticism is valid, its demands should be more specific—and more far-reaching.

The "pocket money" shouldn't be increased—it should be abolished. Even before the federal voluntary service was introduced in 2011, unions warned it would expand the low-wage sector. The current maximum monthly allowance stands at €664, amounting to a pitiful hourly wage. Instead, volunteers should receive the same full salary as their colleagues. Work deserves pay—it's that simple. And it would represent genuine recognition, not empty rhetoric.

The state should foot the bill. By investing in healthcare, education, and environmental protection—the very fields where many volunteers serve—it would demonstrate real commitment. Ms. Prien, it's time you showed more dedication to the people.

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