Today, the European Parliament voted in favour of the Directive
on Minimum Wages in the EU. With this directive, two-thirds of
Member States are expected to gradually increase their minimum
wages, which will improve the standard of living for millions of
people.
Member States will have to take account of increases in the cost
of living when calculating minimum wage levels. Determined at
national level, minimum wages in the EU must now combat worker
poverty and enable workers to have a decent standard of
living.
Sara Matthieu MEP, Greens/EFA coordinator of the Employment and
Social Affairs Committee, comments:
"The Minimum Wage Directive is an important victory for a more
social European Union. Thanks to this directive, 25 million
workers will see their wages increase by 20%. This legislation is
also a step forward for gender equality. The gender pay gap
should decrease by at least 5%, as women are over-represented in
the lowest paid sectors. To protect all workers, we successfully
fought to include platform workers.
“Even before the rapid rise of inflation and the cost of living
crisis, 96.5 million people in the EU were living in poverty or
at risk of social exclusion. Member States have two years to
transpose the directive but given the urgency, we call on them to
act now.”
Kim van Sparrentak, Greens/EFA MEP and Member of the Social
Affairs Committee, comments:
"Workers on minimum wage are hit particularly hard by the
inflation. EU countries must ensure that the minimum wage can
sustain decent living conditions. This is why national
governments must take responsibility and act faster than the
official deadline of this directive.
“Around 25 million workers in the EU are expected to benefit from
this legislation. Currently, around 10 percent of European
workers live in poverty. The minimum wage will not be the same
everywhere with this legislation, but countries will be obliged
to encourage collective bargaining and put in place procedures
and criteria that ensure fair minimum wages. For too long, the
European Union, headed by the Commission, has neglected workers
with the lowest wages. This law shows that a more social Europe
is possible if the political will is there."
More:
The minimum wage will not be harmonised with this legislation,
but for determining the minimum wage countries will be required
to promote collective bargaining and to set procedures and
criteria to allow workers to have a decent standard of
living. Member States are advised to establish a basket of goods
and services at real prices to determine the cost of living with
the aim of achieving a decent standard of living. In addition to
material necessities such as food, clothing and housing, the need
to participate in cultural, educational and social activities
could also be taken into consideration.
