CL "Podkrepa" opposes the freezing of the minimum wage in the 2026 budget

Conflict over the minimum wage

The Confederation of Labour "Podkrepa" has issued a sharp warning to the National Assembly, demanding the rejection of paragraph 44 of the transitional provisions of the 2026 draft budget. The union insists on maintaining the current mechanism for determining the minimum wage (MW) until a transparent tripartite dialogue and an impact assessment are conducted.

"Proposing a text that freezes the mechanism for determining the minimum wage for 2027 benefits only unscrupulous employers," the union states.

Why are the unions against it?

• Lack of discussion in the National Council for Tripartite Cooperation.
• Inconsistency with the EU Directive on adequate minimum wages.
• Risk of harming workers in conditions of inflation.

The government's position

For her part, Social Minister Natalia Efremova categorically rejected the accusations of a freeze. During the second reading in the budget committee, she emphasized that the purpose of the texts is "improving the legislation" and not cutting incomes.

Currently, the minimum wage is expected to remain at the level of 620 euros until a new, more effective mechanism is adopted.