The proportion of workers earning just the minimum wage is higher than 10% in a number of countries across Europe. Euronews Business takes a closer look at the data.
This year marks a significant step towards improving working and living conditions in the EU member states because the EU’s new minimum wages directive has to come into law by 15 November of this year.
No minimum wage in 5 EU countries
Twenty-two of the 27 EU member states have a national minimum wage. Denmark, Italy, Austria, Finland and Sweden do not. Cyprus introduced one early last year.
It’s important to note that, at least in Austria, while there is no universal “minimum wage” per se there is a minimum wage for every job (“Kollektivveträge”). So effectively there is a minimum wage.
I see this trend where in my country (part if EU) politicians usually try to artificially rise the minimum wages. This results in companies leaving the country.