Directive will raise wages and strengthen collective bargaining in the EU
The PES strongly welcomes the adoption today of the Minimum Wages Directive in the Council. The Directive on adequate minimum wages across the EU ensures fair minimum wages that protect workers while strengthening collective bargaining, in full respect of national specificities and competences.
The adoption of the Directive is a huge political win for our family which was the driving force behind this initiative. The Directive will protect EU citizens’ purchasing power and help them deal with the rising living costs.
Member states will have two years to transpose the Directive into national law, however, the swift adoption of the Minimum Wage Directive is key to the fight against social exclusion and poverty.
PES President Sergei Stanishev said:
‘For years, the socialist family spearheaded the campaign for EU legislation guaranteeing adequate and fair minimum wages for workers. It was a key socialist pre-condition for supporting Ursula von der Leyen’s bid for the Commission’s presidency back in 2019. While the Directive takes into account national specificities and does not establish specific levels of minimum income in absolute terms across Europe, it boosts collective bargaining, fosters the work of trade unions and sets just standards for fairer wages. This is a strong European answer to the cost of living crisis, giving a chance to millions of Europeans for a better standard of life and fair pay for their work.’
Agnes Jongerius MEP, Chair of the PES Social Europe Network said:
“This directive sets the standards for what an adequate minimum wage should look like. At the same time, we are giving a boost to collective bargaining, so more workers will be better protected. In a context of rising prices, we call on all governments to transpose and implement the directive as soon as possible.”
The adoption of the Directive will ensure fair and adequate minimum wages, ensuring decent living standards and protecting workers’ rights across Europe.
