Richter: Social Package to Observe 'Better Reward for Work Done' Slogan

Nitra, October 22 (TASR) – The Labour, Social Affairs and the Family Ministry within the latest social package is preparing changes that are aimed at better evaluating people’s work, stated Labour, Social Affairs and the Family Minister Jan Richter at a Smer-SD conference in Nitra on Saturday.

The minister added that the new social package will observe the slogan ‘A Better Reward for Work Done’.

Richter went on to say that thanks to current economic developments, growing profits in the economy should be reflected in higher salaries.

“We have the seventh lowest labour costs in the European Union. When we compare salaries in Slovakia and their real purchasing power …. there are only four EU countries in which the situation is worse than here. However, regarding growth in added value, we’re the absolute leader not only in the EU but also among OECD countries,” said Richter.

Therefore, it’s legitimate to demand that a higher portion of this value should be distributed in the form of salaries and bonuses to those who create these values, stressed the minister.

Richter went on to say that the measures with which the Government wants to contribute towards hikes in salaries include increasing bonuses for night and weekend work. Bonuses for night work should go up to reach 50 percent of the hourly minimum wage, while weekend bonuses should increase to reach 100 percent of the hourly minimum wage.

“One quarter of employees in Slovakia have to work at night on a regular basis, which is the highest figure in the EU, and the same applies to weekend work. Employers should feel that working at night and at weekends isn’t an ordinary thing, but extra work,” said Richter, adding that 13th and 14th salaries (two extra monthly salaries per year) should also help to increase people’s incomes.