In solidarity with night workers, Slovakian PM spent eight hours working a night shift in a car factory
ADVERTISEMENTSlovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico spent last Friday night (November 25) working in a car factory as a display of solidarity with night shift workers.
The Slovakian government wants to increase their hourly wage by €1.40 for each hour worked during a night shift.
German and national entrepreneurs have shown resistance to the measures introduced by Slovakia’s Social Democratic party since the country is known for its low wages within the European Union. This new legislation, however, still hasn’t been voted by parliament.
One of Slovakia’s competitive advantages is the low night shift wages and it risks being lost, said the Germano-Slovak chamber of commerce (DSIHK), which represents German investors in Slovakia. The Association of Domestic Enterprises (PAS) also made known their discontent.
Around 240 000 people in Slovakia work night shifts. Until now, they’ve received a 50 cent per hour supplement to their regular salary, which corresponds to around 20 percent of the minimum legal salary.
Bonuses for Sunday work shifts would also increase to at least 100 percent of the minimum wage, instead of 50 percent.
Fico is confident that the amendment to the law will pass in parliament: “I’m keeping my fingers crossed for all people because I know the aversion of some entrepreneurs in Slovakia to night work bonuses will be enormous,” said Fico as quoted by TASR agency. “However, I believe the proposal will eventually be passed in parliament.”