There must be a minimum wage in all EU countries that covers the cost of living and leads to decent living standards. This is advocated by the European Parliament following negotiations with the EU member states. MEP Agnes Jongerius (PvdA) wants swift action due to the ever-rising prices.
On Wednesday, the European Parliament adopted special legislation intended to ensure an adequate minimum wage. EU countries will continue to determine the level of their minimum wage themselves but must now guarantee that this wage sufficiently supports their citizens.
The new directive applies to all EU workers who have an employment contract or employment relationship. Countries where the minimum wage is already protected through collective labor agreements (such as the Netherlands) are not obliged to apply the new rules across the board.
The adopted law also stipulates that countries with few collective labor agreements and weak trade unions must draw up an action plan to increase collective wage agreements, together with the social partners. They must also establish an enforcement system to tackle abuses such as subcontracting, bogus self-employment, unregistered overtime, or increased work pressure.
MEP Agnes Jongerius (PvdA) was the EU rapporteur on this minimum wage. Thanks in part to her, the new law came into existence. She considers it important that follow-up steps are taken quickly.
“The prices of groceries, energy bills, and housing are exploding,” says Jongerius. “People are really struggling to make ends meet. We have no time to lose, because work must pay off again.”