Four points separate parties in minimum wage negotiations

The Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MKIK) is launching a nationwide survey via the regional chambers to find out from economic players what additional burden they can tolerate and how productivity is faring. Under its new leadership, the MKIK intends to use the results of the consultation in the talks of the Consultation Forum of Social Partners (VKF) on the future minimum wage. The aim is to make wage policy predictable and sustainable for both employers and employees. The Chamber is in favour of a comprehensive multi-year wage agreement, as this ensures stability and planning security.

At the VKF meeting on Monday, concrete figures were given for the first time: According to these, the employers only want to see the minimum wage raised by 8% in 2025, while the unions are demanding +12%. The employers’ side is also predicting an average wage increase of 6%. In subsequent years, the rate of adjustment to the minimum wage could be increased by two points in each case, provided the economic situation allows for this. Meanwhile, the trade unions are demanding an average 12% increase in the minimum wage per year over the three years.