Much higher wages could be paid; the reserves are available

According to Imre Palkovics, president of Workers’ Councils, much higher wages could be paid in several sectors where there are substantial reserves available.

The trade union leader reacted to the news that a supermarket chain is recruiting cashiers for an unprecedented salary of HUF 300,000. Mr Palkovics is on the opinion that the increasingly severe labour shortage will pull up wages.

“The increase in the added value in many sectors facing labour shortage, such as commerce, construction industry or agriculture, is several times higher than increases in the overall wage bill. For example, in the construction industry the increase in productivity and in added value was 22 percent in the past four years as opposed to the 2.5 percent increase in the wage bill” – said Imre Palkovics.