Thursday, October 29, 2020

A more social economy in Europe: adequate minimum wages for workers in the Member States

Social Affairs, Citizenship, Youth, Gender equality,-,

President Von der Leyen promised to present a legal instrument to ensure that the workers in the European Union have a fair minimum wage at the start of her mandate and repeated her pledge in her first State of the Union address on 16 September 2020.

Therefore, the Commission proposes today an EU Directive to ensure that the workers in the Union are protected by adequate minimum wages allowing for a decent living wherever they work. When set at adequate levels, minimum wages do not only have a positive social impact but also bring wider economic benefits as they reduce wage inequality, help sustain domestic demand and strengthen incentives to work. Adequate minimum wages can also help reduce the gender pay gap, since more women than men earn a minimum wage. The proposal also helps protect employers that pay decent wages to workers by ensuring fair competition.The current crisis has particularly hit sectors with a higher share of low-wage workers such as cleaning, retail, health and long-term care and residential care. Ensuring a decent living for workers and reducing in-work poverty is not only important during the crisis but also essential for a sustainable and inclusive economic recovery.

Source : Press room - European Commission

Latest news

24 November 2020

The impact of the health crisis on the financial resources of European regions

23 November 2020

A green cooperation for post pandemic recovery between China and the European Union

19 November 2020

Leaders of the Parliament reaffirm their position on the Multiannual Financial Framework

18 November 2020

New issues of social bonds under the European Union's SURE instrument to provide €14 billion to 9 Member States

16 November 2020

MPs ready to negotiate a more sustainable and social InvestEU Fund