Employer and employee representatives said on Tuesday that their positions on next year’s minimum wage had moved closer, but no agreement was reached at the latest meeting of the Permanent Consultation Forum of the Competitiveness Sector and the Government, known as the VKF.
Positions shift in talks
Zs. Szőke Zoltán, president of ÁFEOSZ-COOP, said he does not rule out that an agreement may be reached, as all parties appear to be reconsidering their previous positions. Zlati Róbert, president of the Magyar Szakszervezeti Szövetség (MASZSZ), said viewpoints have moved closer, with both the union and employer sides shifting from their earlier stances. He added that union bodies will discuss the situation and continue negotiations.
The talks have shifted from a percentage-based increase toward a fixed-amount minimum wage and guaranteed wage minimum. The amount under discussion was not disclosed.
Earlier proposal and tax
At the previous VKF meeting, held on October 27, employers proposed a 4 percent gross increase for both the minimum wage and the guaranteed wage minimum next year.
MASZSZ had wanted the talks held within a three-year wage agreement, taking into account third-quarter macroeconomic data. The government side had suggested that employers and employees hold separate consultations before reaching a tripartite agreement, and both sides were open to that approach.
Government’s 2027 goal
Finance minister Kármán András said positions have moved significantly closer, though no agreement has been reached yet. He said the government aims for the net amount of the minimum wage and the guaranteed wage minimum to rise significantly from 1 January 2027.
No figure for that planned rise was given. Negotiations are continuing.
Source: Permanent Consultation Forum of the Competitiveness Sector and the Government
