No Decision on Minimum Wage Increase for Private Sector

TIRANA, February 20

The National Labour Council couldn’t reach a joint stance regarding the legal minimum wage, which currently is Lek 22,000. The Albanian government has proposed an increase by Lek 2,000 while the Confederation of Trade Unions says that the legal minimum age must be Lek 26,000. Even business representatives say agree on a Lek 2,000 hike. However, it is expected that the Ministry of Finances decides on Lek, 23,000, Monitor magazine reported.
A few days ago, it was the Minister of Social Welfare and Youth, Blendi Klosi, who said that the minimum wage hike will be applied even in the private sector, while the new minimum for workers in the public sector will be Lek 37,000.
The proposal was made by the National Chamber of Garment and Footwear Producers during the last year. The steering board of this chamber required a legal minimum wage of Lek 23,000.
On the other hand, the decision to raise the minimum wage will affect the manufacturing and export sectors, which consider low wages as a competitive advantage. According to them, the decision will have its cost that is going to be reflected on higher product prices.
The minimum legal wage has been at the level of Lek 22,000 for the last four years.

News Source: local media#

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