In this article we will talk about the possible introduction across the European Union of a minimum wage for employees. It is a protection for the weaker sections of workers who today are often underpaid.
Article 36 of the Italian Constitution establishes the right of every worker to receive remuneration capable of ensuring a dignified existence. To date, however, there are hourly wages of even less than 6 euros. Many governments have speculated on the introduction of a specific rule without ever implementing it. In this regard you can consult this bill of 2018 . We also refer you to reading this article on income supplements.
So let’s see the proposal of the European Commission thanks to which the minimum wage is coming
An uphill path
Commission chairwoman Ursula von der Leyen recently said that the introduction of the minimum wage is a priority. However, this is not a simple project. Average wages and the cost of living change significantly in the various states. And most of them already apply their own specific legislation. To date, only 6 countries, including Italy, do not recognize this protection for their citizens.
According to the first rumors, the commission will not establish an absolute minimum threshold for everyone, but wants to introduce a different coefficient for each country. The basis for calculation should be 60% of the average remuneration of the individual state. It would range from 286 euros in Bulgaria to 2,071 euros in Luxembourg. For Italy, with an average income of around 1,570 euros, the minimum wage would be 950 euros gross.
The minimum wage is on the way, but beware of purchasing power
The European Commission is considering regulatory action to raise wages without going against the rules of individual Member States. The governments of the Scandinavian countries fear that a common rule may interfere with their tradition of collective agreements. An aspect that makes Nordic workers among the most protected in the world. Countries with the least developed economy, on the other hand, contest the percentage of 60% since the minimum wage is already equal to more than 50% of the average. The cost of living is another critical point. Wages, in fact, should not be seen only in absolute terms, but also on the basis of purchasing power. The commission also intends to recommend harmonization of business taxation to the governments of the Member States. The risk is that an increase in wages will have a strongly negative impact for companies in the countries with the highest taxation such as Italy.
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