USA, Hungary

The EIRO industrial relations observatory reports that the government and social partners have agreed new minimum wage rates including a new three-tier minimum wage system. For 2006 the government has recommended a 10.5% increase to HUF 63,000 (254 euros). The second rate for jobs requiring a vocational qualification will be 10% higher at HUF 70,000 and the third minimum wage rate will be another 10% higher at HUF 77,000 for jobs requiring a degree. The Ministry of Finance has also indicated the level of minimum wages up to 2010, with the lowest rising to 90,000. Union targets for the minimum

After the threat of strike action employers in the electricity industry agreed a 4.5% pay increase for 2006. Although ahead of inflation (currently around 2%) the deal acknowledges high productivity growth of around 10%. The deal also includes a minimum monthly salary for the industry of 63,500 HUF (240 euros).

ETUC general secretary Bernadette Ségol and the presidents of the six Hungarian trade union confederations have met with Employment Commission Andor to express their serious concerns about proposals to change the Labour Code. The changes pose a threat to trade union recognition, the rights of trade union representatives and the protection of pregnant workers against dismissal. The ETUC points out that such changes clearly conflict with European Union standards for social dialogue and the provisions of the fundamental charter of social rights. [Read more at > ETUC (EN)->http://www.etuc.org/a

The KKDSZ trade union, representing workers in museums, libraries and other cultural institutions is organising a demonstration on 22nd January, traditionally the Day of Hungarian Culture, to coincide with the presentation of awards by the Minister of Culture. The aim of the protest is to highlight the impact of cuts on the culture sector which have included laying off 20% of the workforce since January. The county museums and libraries have become state-owned without any negotiations with trade unions and subsidies have been reduced from their already low level.

The KKDSZ cultural workers' trade union was one of 28 public sector unions that organised a day-long demonstration outside parliament on 21 February. The unions are angry that there has been no public sector pay increase for six years, that workers have lost their 13th month payment and that changes to employment rights mean that civil servants can be easily dismissed at short notice. After substantial cuts in jobs many workers are also having to work long hours without overtime pay to maintain services. The unions are calling for a 20% pay increase. [Read more at > KKDSZ (EN)->http://kkdsz.hu

Public service unions took to the streets on 6 December with a clear message demanding a 5% pay increase or HUF 10000 (€32). It has been six years since the last salary increase, leaving public sector workers 30% worse off in real terms. The government’s proposed budget for 2015 clearly shows that it is not considering a change in policy. The unions are calling for proper social dialogue and for a staged increase in wages over the next three years just to recoup the decline in purchasing power since 2008. [Read more at > KDSZSZ (HU)->http://kkdsz.hu/?p=2044] [And at > EPSU->http://www.epsu.org

The KKDSZ culture workers union has been organising a series of actions and protests across the country to support its campaign for a pay increase and to highlighting the extent to which culture workers have been undervalued. The union has been trying all kinds of actions to raise the profile of its campaign and in Budapest it was joined by Eddy Stam of the FNV who is currently working with EPSU to support organising initiatives across Central and Eastern Europe. The KKDSZ website contains many photos of the Budapest protest and the other actions around the country. [Read more at > KKDSZ (HU)-

Thousands of workers from across different parts of the public sector joined a national protest in Budapest on 13 February. Cuts to services and low pay were the main focus of the demonstration along with government education policy. The KKDSZ culture workers took part, highlighting again the poverty wages for many of their members. The BBDSZ childcare workers also supported the rally, urging action to prevent more skilled workers leaving the country. [Read more at > Budapest Beacon news website (EN)-> http://budapestbeacon.com/public-policy/our-patience-has-run-out-say-hungarian-teachers