The European Parliament will tomorrow adopt the European law on adequate minimum wages that will reduce inequalities, boost salaries across Europe and strengthen collective bargaining to fight in-work poverty. In times of exploding prices for food, rent and energy, it is now vital to apply this new legislation as soon as possible, urge the S&Ds.

This is a milestone social legislation as it is setting the standards to which national minimum wages should live up. To be adequate, statutory minimum wages must take into account the cost of living and the purchasing power of workers. In times of crisis, they must serve as a threshold of decency, ensure that people can still afford their daily groceries and prevent an even deeper economic recession.

Agnes Jongerius MEP, S&D spokesperson on employment and European Parliament negotiator, said:

“Prices for food, rent and energy are exploding and people are struggling to make ends meet. In an emergency like this, it is more important than ever to ensure adequate minimum wages and a decent standard of living. Work must pay!

“Workers must be able to put food on the table, have a roof over their heads, heat their homes and pay for medical care, but also afford new clothes, join a sports team and go to a concert.

“So there is no time to lose! The new European law on decent minimum wages must enter into force as soon as possible. Member states should not take the two years that are usually available to implement this kind of legislation. We have to start applying it immediately!”