Kunert, Annamaria

Wage competition in the retail sector, tough negotiations for the long-awaited wage increases for state companies, and a pay increase without change in salary for healthcare workers are the main topics of interest in this article. This country update reports on the latest developments in working life in Hungary in the fourth quarter of 2017.

Restructuring of the public works scheme, the launch of the Wage Union initiative which aims to equalise wages across Europe, and strike action by Tesco workers are the main topics of interest in this article. This country update reports on the latest developments in working life in Hungary in the third quarter of 2017.

Publication of a study on the minimum wage, the introduction of pensioners’ cooperatives to reduce labour and skill shortages, and a proposal to extend working time are the main topics of interest in this article. This country update reports on the latest developments in working life in Hungary in the second quarter of 2017.

The ban on Sunday opening for shops in Hungary, in effect for one year, was repealed in April 2016. The ban had been opposed by most Hungarians but it caused far fewer economic losses and tensions than anticipated.

A 15% increase in the minimum wage (25% for skilled workers) and the continuing restructuring of education and public works programmes are the main topics of interest in this article. This country update reports on the latest developments in working life in Hungary in the first quarter of 2017.

A significant hike in the statutory minimum wage, declining union membership and industrial action in support of wage demands, including the first ever warning strike at Mercedes-Benz, are the main topics of interest in this article. This country update reports on the latest developments in working life in Hungary in the fourth quarter of 2016.

Proposals on how to tackle labour shortages, a strike by municipal employees for higher wages, and mounting tensions around reforms to education and vocational training are the main topics of interest in this article. This country update reports on the latest developments in working life in Hungary in the third quarter of 2016.

Ongoing unrest in the education sector, the repeal of Sunday closure legislation and changes in the employee-benefits 'Cafeteria' system are among the main topics of interest in this article. This country update reports on the latest developments in working life in Hungary in the second quarter of 2016.

Hungary is undergoing a major transformation of its education system. The number of Vocational Education and Training (VET) schools needed is under review and responsibility for their supervision is being transferred to the Ministry for National Economy (NGM).

Smartphone car service Uber, a successful company example of the sharing economy, has spread to many EU Member States in recent years. However, many employers and unions are concerned about its challenge to fair competition for other businesses in the sector and about the erosion of working conditions for drivers. It remains to be seen whether there is some ground for EU- level regulation in this field.