Employers Oppose Setting Minimum Working Wage at 35%-55% of Average One

Sofia, July 23 (BTA) - The Association of Industrial Capital in Bulgaria (AICB) is categorically against the proposal to set the minimum working wage in the range of 35-55 per cent of the average pay. This is envisaged in a draft Council of Ministers' Decree on setting and updating the amount of the minimum working wage in the country, proposed for coordination with the social partners, AICB said.

According to AICB, the acceptable interval is 30-40 per cent of the average working wage.

The organization considers that the results of the policy of administrative raising of the minimum working wage are negative and the most tangible result of it has been an increase of unemployment among low-qualified staff. For years now unemployment has been unacceptably high and sustainable, AICB argues.

The organization is of the opinion that the minimum working wage should be set by economic activities in an agreement of the relevant employer and trade union organizations. AICB fears that the purpose of the draft Decree is to affirm the hitherto unacceptable practice of determining the minimum working wage.