Slovakia’s minimum wage increased by 4.1 percent to €307.70 per month as of January 1, in line with a government decision made in October, the TASR newswire reported.
The Labour Ministry originally planned to increase last year’s minimum wage of €295.50 per month by 8.1 percent as proposed by the unions. The tripartite partners met several times to negotiate the issue since August but were unable to reach an agreement and the government decided to mandate the increase at 4.1 percent.
“I insist that this (increase) shouldn't have the sort of impact that could cause a problem,” said Labour Minister Viera Tomanová, adding that the government is protecting the most vulnerable group of citizens that work for the minimum wage.
The original proposal for an 8.1 percent increase was divided to cover the 2010-2011 periods. “If the level of the minimum wage isn't agreed on by the social partners, the increase in 2011 will reach another 4 percent above the level of the minimum wage that will be in place,” Tomanová told TASR. TASR
Compiled by Zuzana Vilikovská from press reports
The Slovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information presented in its Flash News postings.
