Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced an increase of the basic salary by 50 euros per month. As he said in detail, in this way, from 1 May, the basic salary will rise from 663 to 713 euros. «An amount which, combined with the first instalment of January, equals a total increase of 9.7% compared to the 2021 minimum wage. Put simply, the almost 650,000 workers in this category will gain more than one extra net salary per year. A 15th salary is, henceforth, added to their income,» Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis underlined in a message on the minimum wage increase.
«Every day in cities and neighbourhoods I meet workers, especially young people, who are paid the minimum wage. The common anguish I see on everyone's faces is the accuracy of the international energy crisis and the war in Ukraine. The prices of electricity, on the supermarket shelf, at the gas station.
They hear about the growing economy, they see many positive changes, but they wonder if this growth really concerns them. They feel that, without help from family, they are finding it difficult to get by. Especially if they have to rent a house,» the Prime Minister stressed in his message.
He says: «They are right. They are right. The wounds of the decade-long economic crisis have not healed. And, of course, now the global inflationary boom is hitting low-wage earners and the unemployed first.
It is precisely to them, therefore, that my decision today is addressed. So, from 1 May, the basic salary will be increased by EUR 50 per month. From EUR 663 to EUR 713. An amount which, combined with the first instalment in January, amounts to a total increase of 9.7% compared to the 2021 minimum wage. Put simply, the nearly 650,000 workers in this category will earn more than an extra net salary per year. A 15th salary is, henceforth, added to their income.
I have to say that this initiative goes to the very limits of the economy. The rate of increase of the first wage has been of great concern to the competent committee, the social partners and the Minister of Labour. But it is our political decision. Which I will warmly recommend to the Council of Ministers.
For in every common trial, there is a common responsibility. And just as the burdens must be borne fairly, so too must everyone receive a fair share of the wealth created by national production and development.
This is a choice that involves many parameters. Just as, therefore, a family manages today without risking the future of its members, so the government has to strike a balance. Between the transient needs of the present and the national obligations of the future.
Any increase should not be a burden on competitiveness, nor on costs, especially for small businesses, which turn it into a disincentive for new recruitment. The truth is, however, that businesses have been very much supported by the government. With fewer taxes and contributions. With liquidity through the Refundable Advance. But also with recent subsidies to cover energy costs.
Now is the time for the workers. And first the low paid. Because I never envisioned an economy with low wages as its comparative advantage. Instead, I committed to plenty of good-paying jobs. And, indeed, unemployment is already falling rapidly. In 33 months it has fallen a full 5 points, despite successive crises in between.
At the same time, many pro-labour measures have been taken. Such as the new OAED programmes. The Digital Card. The protection for couriers. Parental leave. And the framework for distance working.
Now it is the turn to support the lowest income and that is what we are doing. In a move that the situation demands. One that workers deserve. And one that businesses can afford. Because this significant change in the minimum wage also increases unemployment benefits by 31 euros every month. It is also a call to employers to act accordingly for other categories of employees.»
In his message, the Prime Minister reminds that «in June, the State is also proceeding to a new reduction of contributions by half a point. It is therefore their turn to stand by their employees. Because no company can produce value from work if it has not first ensured the dignity of its own employees.
And it stresses: «I will avoid reassuring forecasts in a global environment shrouded in uncertainty. I remain faithful to the language of truth and to the path of care and effort. That is why my only firm commitment is one: in the face of every difficulty, to be at your side.
The immediate increase of the minimum wage by 50 euros is a decision of responsibility and solidarity. These are difficult times. And my main concern is that our social cohesion is not broken. But also not to undermine, through misguided moves, what we have achieved together so far.
I have confidence in the potential of our economy. But, above all, I have confidence in Greek workers. «Growth for all» was our promise from the beginning. And that is the goal our policy serves. Today, we are taking another important step towards achieving it. Thank you and I wish you a Happy Easter», Kyriakos Mitsotakis concludes his message.
From 1 May, the basic salary will increase by €50 per month. From €663 to €713. Total increase of 9.7% compared to the 2021 minimum wage. In simple terms, a 15th salary is added to the income of almost 650,000 workers in this category. pic.twitter.com/z5Ity1wWjI
— Prime Minister GR (@PrimeministerGR) April 20, 2022
