The Greek Cabinet of Ministers will discuss the issue of the minimum wage, with a possible increase, despite objections to the freeze from industrial organizations and business associations.
Currently, the minimum wage in the private sector is set at 650 euros per month, with a nominal wage of 758 euros if Christmas and Easter bonuses are included. This is the average European salary in the EU or 11th place in the bloc countries, depending on nominal wages, and 13th place in purchasing power parity, the Ministry of Labor said.
It is reported that the ministry will present the issue at a government meeting on July 26. The Labor Department’s proposal will include three considerations: the views of social partners and research agencies, fiscal flexibility, and the need for a minimum wage for workers, especially in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
Most industry and business associations, the Bank of Greece and research institutes IOBE and KEPE support the freeze on the minimum wage, while the Private Sector Labor Federation (GSEE) is calling for an immediate increase to € 751 and € 809 by mid-2022.
PS This measure is especially relevant given the significant increase in prices for food and other essential goods in supermarkets, as well as a sharp rise in rent.
But, since we know the Minister of Labor and the conservative neoliberal government, there will again be some kind of magical “distribution of virtual money here and there,” and workers, instead of raising incomes, will remain with the same wages.
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