We, the Student Association of the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Genetics, are writing this petition to express our deep concerns regarding the recent tax-free compensation payment, granted to all employees except PhD students. This 3000 Euro payment decided under the TVöD collective bargaining round was set into motion to compensate for the ongoing inflation while the final salary increase will only be implemented next year. We believe that it is crucial for countless reasons such as the well-being and professional development for all PhD Students directly employed by and working for the Max Planck Society to be included in this compensation payment. Under all PhD students we specifically encompass also PhD Students working for the Max-Plank-Society and being paid by stipends.

As PhD students, we contribute significantly to the intellectual and research endeavors of our institute. We dedicate long hours, often sacrificing personal time and resources, to advance the knowledge in our research field and contribute to the overall growth and reputation of the Max Planck Society. We are an integral part of the academic community, and our contributions should be recognized and valued.

While we understand that economic factors necessitate adjustments in compensation, we firmly believe that it is unfair and demotivating to not include PhD students in this compensation payment. The cost of living has increased for everyone, including us. The rising prices of housing, food, transportation, and other necessities impact us just as much as they do everyone else. As one of the academic staff with lowest incomes compared to actual working time, we are one of the groups that is most dramatically affected among all employees. By not including us in this temporary salary raise, we are left struggling to meet our financial obligations.

We request the Max-Planck-Society to propose a plan that extends the compensation payment to include PhD students. Such would not only acknowledge the importance of our contributions but also foster a sense of fairness, inclusion, and motivation within the academic community.

Budgetary considerations are essential in making such decisions, and we are open to discussing potential solutions to address this matter. It is our hope that you recognise the value of the work we contribute and consider the significant impact that fair compensation can hold.