ESEE: We will support the increase of the minimum wage, but an even greater reduction of the non-wage costs is required

“Greek trade is ready to once again support the amount of the increase in the minimum wage announced by the Prime Minister from May 1, despite the immediate and significant burden on the wage costs of commercial enterprises,” the ESEE president said in a statement. adding, however, that an even greater reduction in non-wage costs is required.

As he states, “a reasonable expectation of the commercial world is that through the increase in the minimum wage, the purchasing power of the most vulnerable consumers will be maintained with a positive effect on the business turnover.

At the same time, however, decisions must be made to further reduce non-wage costs in order to maintain jobs, as well as to reduce the operating costs of small and medium-sized commercial enterprises.

“ESEE, which responsibly and timely advocated for a sensible reinforcement of the minimum wage, reminds that thousands of small and medium-sized enterprises that are now obliged to pay significantly increased – along with the proportionally higher insurance contributions – are also vulnerable, in economic and social terms.” .

At the same time, the president of ESEE expresses this wish to be the last time that the minimum wage is determined by a government decision, as -as he emphasizes- it is necessary to return the decisive responsibility to the social partners, through the consultation for the National General Collective Agreement Working.

“In conclusion, the umbrella of protection that the Greek State opens must be common, for Greek companies and their employees”, concludes the president of ESEE.