APZD: We are continuing the minimum wage negotiations at the tripartite level

The bilateral negotiations on the level of the minimum wage for 2024, which we conducted with the trade unions until 15 July, unfortunately did not result in an agreement. We will now attempt to reach a common consensus at the tripartite level.

At this stage, government representatives are also entering the negotiations. If we again fail to reach an agreement, the statutory mechanism will be activated, which sets the minimum wage at 57% of the average gross wage in Slovakia in the previous year. Its level would thus reach 744 euros next year.

In the negotiations with the social partners, we emphasise that any decisions we make must take into account the real possibilities of all employers, including those from less developed regions. We need to ensure that the minimum wage is manageable for all companies.

Employees in industry earn well and live with dignity

Employers whom we represent as the Association of Industrial Unions and Transport are interested in fair remuneration of their employees. It is therefore no surprise that wages in industrial sectors are often higher than in other areas. After information technology and energy supply, industrial production is in fact the third best-paid sector in Slovakia. Even basic wages exceed the level of the minimum wage.

According to the Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic, the average wage in industry reached 1,582 euros in May, while in January it was at the level of 1,369 euros. In addition to statutory supplements, employees are paid various bonuses, quarterly or annual rewards. For example, at a car plant the average wage of a skilled operator can even exceed 1,700 euros.

We are in favour of decoupling wage supplements from the minimum wage

The minimum wage represents the lowest wage level that guarantees an employee a dignified life. It should not be incorrectly used as a reference value for supplements and degrees of work difficulty. If it changes, this affects not only roughly six percent of workers with the lowest incomes, but practically every employee. Linking supplements to the minimum wage will, in this year alone, increase the costs of the private sector by 70 million euros and the public sector by 20 million euros. After the increase in the minimum wage in 2024, these costs will double – rising by a total of 180 million euros.