Angela Merkel, the German chancellor has proposed introducing a binding minimum wage for low-paid workers. Trade unions have applauded the proposal, saying that more regulations in the labor market was needed where there is currently no wage regulation. The move is opposed by the Christian Democratic Union, the party of Merkel. She says that the move is needed to ensure that workers are not being paid poverty wages.
See "Merkel switches to back minimum wage", Quentin Peel, Financial Times, October 31, 2011