Minimum wage forces Penkuner unemployment meeting to close!

Minimum wage forces Penkuner unemployment meeting to close!

In the tranquil town of Penkun, worrying changes are emerging for the local unemployment association Uecker-Randow. The popular meeting place, which acts as a contact point for the unemployed and those in need, will close its doors by the middle of next year. This news hits many visitors hard, because the closure not only means the end of regular gatherings, such as the afternoon senior meetings and family celebrations, but also the temporary loss of the clothing store and the food bank. The soup kitchen on Schuhstrasse has been out of business for a few days anyway.

“The closure has nothing to do with the work of our employees,” emphasizes Hannelore Schiebe, chairwoman of the association. Rather, it is the increased energy and fuel costs as well as the dramatic increase in the minimum wage that are pushing the association to the limits of its financial resilience. The minimum wage rose by 10% from 2015 to 2021, while it was increased by 37% from 2022 to 2025. These developments have meant that income can no longer cover expenses, which is placing a heavy burden on reserves.

Financial pressure and future prospects

The 2026 financial plan shows alarming trends: The association feels forced to act because the development opportunities in Penkun are assessed as unfavorable and there is no significant increase in income in sight. Some personnel measures are also pending, for example the cook at the soup kitchen, who has accumulated more than 50 days of vacation in the last few months, will be terminated on January 31, 2026.

The situation is further exacerbated by the expiry of two positions on employment opportunities (AGH) on November 30th. Nevertheless, the employees will remain on board through the Federal Voluntary Service until the meeting point in Penkun closes. In order to ease the financial situation, the association is planning to sell the property on Schuhstrasse.

Remaining contact points

Even if the Penkuner Treff will soon close its doors, the unemployed association will remain active. In cities such as Pasewalk, Ueckermünde, Eggesin, Strasburg, Torgelow, Löcknitz and Ferdinandshof, meetings continue to be offered that serve as important retreats for the people in the region. The association will celebrate its 35th anniversary next year, but it remains to be seen how the closure in Penkun will affect the overall picture.

Overall, there are a lot of emotions in the closure of the meeting place, because for many it is not just a meeting place, but an important part of social life. Given the financial challenges, it remains to be seen how the situation in the region around Penkun can continue.