Vacas‑Soriano, Carlos
Minimum wage hikes struggle to offset inflation
23 Јануари 2023
As the EU economy advanced its recovery following the pandemic, the high rate of inflation throughout 2022 meant that wage setting actors made their decisions under a cloud of uncertainty. While nominal increases in statutory minimum wages reached an all-time high, minimum wage workers in most countries saw their purchasing power decline or just about compensated at the beginning of 2023, based on preliminary harmonised inflation figures. With inflation expected to persist, a further depreciation of minimum wages in real terms can be expected in most Member States, as only a few foresee additional increases in 2023.
The rise in telework: Impact on working conditions and regulations
08 Декември 2022
How to ensure adequate minimum wages in an age of inflation
15 Јуни 2022
Minimum wages have risen significantly in 2022, as the EU Member States leave behind the cautious mood of the pandemic. However, rising inflation is eating up these wage increases, and only flexibility in the regular minimum wage setting processes may avoid generalised losses in purchasing power among minimum wage earners. On 6 June 2022, the Council of the EU and the European Parliament reached a political agreement on the Directive on adequate minimum wages proposed by the Commission in October 2020. Once formally approved, EU Member States will have to transpose it into national law within two years.
Minimum wages in 2022: Annual review
15 Јуни 2022
Minimum wages in 2022: Bigger hikes this time around
27 Јануари 2022
The first overview of minimum wage setting for 2022 shows that, while some negotiations are still ongoing, virtually all EU Member States have increased their nominal statutory rates. Compared to last year, when most countries settled for cautious increases against a background of deep uncertainty caused by the pandemic, growth in statutory rates for 2022 was stronger, reflecting an easing of the situation. This was especially the case in central and eastern European countries, where some increases were in double digits. Nevertheless, inflation is back in the picture and should be monitored in the coming months to get an insight into how the increases in nominal minimum wage rates translate into actual changes in the purchasing power of minimum wage earners.
European Jobs Monitor 2021: Gender gaps and the employment structure
14 Декември 2021
Understanding the gender pay gap: What role do sector and occupation play?
14 Декември 2021
Minimum wage – Yet another gender divide?
26 Октомври 2021
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19 Октомври 2021
Minimum wages in 2021: Annual review
10 Јуни 2021