Workers in Eastern Germany still paid less than those in the West

(Patria) - Workers in Eastern Germany are still paid less than those in the West, more than 30 years after reunification, according to research by the ifo economic institute.

In 2022, workers in the former Federal Republic of Germany earned an average of 31.40 euros per hour, and those in the former German Democratic Republic earned 26.60 euros.

The source of two-thirds of the wage gap lies in structural economic differences, claims ifo.

When structural differences are taken into account, the wage gap decreases from 15 to five percent, points out ifo economist Joachim Ragnitz, reports Hina.

- Many people in the East work in low-wage sectors, large industrial companies that pay good wages are barely represented in that part (of Germany) - stated economist Jannik Nauerth from ifo's Dresden branch.