The trade unions insist that the 33 thousand workers who receive the minimum wage will still find it very difficult to survive the month. At the same time, employers say the increase is too big and that the state should make some concessions when it comes to work costs. However, Minister Kopač Mrak is insisting on her proposal, despite voiced doubts also coming from the ranks of the government.
Kopač Mrak says that realistically, the costs for the employers will rise by only around 3 percent. Considering the current economic growth, she adds that it is only right for the minimum wage to be increased. "It's about dignified work, not about receiving social benefits."
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia (GZS) has also expressed its opposition to the proposal. It says that raising the minimum wage by 4,7 percent is a dangerous precedent, as it is not based on reasonable arguments. According to the GZS, the economy is indeed rising, but the less successful sectors will be paying the price for the rest of the economy, while the most successful sectors will be the ones covering the expected pay rises.
The Centre for Information Service, Co-operation and Development of NGOs (CNVOS) is of the opposite opinion. It not only supports the proposal, but would increase the minimum wage by a few more percentage points. The centre warns that the minimum wage, even with the additional 4,7 percent or 25 euros per month, will still "hardly surpass the poverty threshold, and so in this case it's difficult to talk about a fair salary or dignified life".