Shortly after 4, the agreement on the proposal for a directive on adequate minimum wages in the EU that the Commission had presented in October 2020 arrived. The discussions began yesterday evening with the strong intention of closing the negotiations shortly. The details will be explained during a press conference in the morning from Strasbourg, but some elements are already known. For example, the fact that the agreement does not provide for impositions on national systems , but rather a sort of procedural framework aimed at obtaining minimum wages deemed "adequate and fair" throughout the Union (in fact, the treaties establish a prohibition for the Commission to to legislate in the remuneration sector).
The minimums are already foreseen in 21 countries but with notable differences: for example, in Bulgaria 332 euros, in Luxembourg 2.202.
In any case, the EU believes that workers must be guaranteed a "dignified" life , with the aim of reducing working poverty.
Hence the favor of collective bargaining that finds a balance for adequate levels by improving access to guaranteed protection.
But what are the criteria for considering a minimum and adequate wage? Each state should establish them internally, then update them periodically.
The text of the agreement now returns to the Labor Commission and back to the courtroom, for publication and entry into force will finally need the definitive go-ahead of the Council.
(Unioneonline / ss)
