The Tripartite National Council for Social Dialogue discussed, on Wednesday, the value of the gross minimum basic salary for the country guaranteed in payment, in the presence of Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan. The Prime Minister recalled the reasons why in 2026, salaries in the public sector will remain at the value of 2025. Bolojan specified that he understands that people with low salaries are the most affected by the increase in the cost of living, but equally, a possible increase in the gross minimum wage in 2026 will generate cascading increases in many wages, because over 40 normative acts and budgetary mechanisms are linked to the gross minimum wage, which, at in turn, they will lead to an increase in collateral budgetary expenses, such as contributions, allowances, grids, increments, caps and allowances. «Even if the Government has decided to cap salaries in the public sector for next year, an increase in the minimum wage will automatically lead to an increase in more salaries in the public sector, an increase that Romania cannot afford next year». In 2025, labor productivity has increased by 5%, but wages have already increased by more than 9%. «Any salary increase that is not based on an increase in labor productivity leads to an increase in inflation, which affects especially those with low incomes», the statement issued by the Government states. «There are wage differences between regions and counties and a uniform increase in the minimum wage would penalize exactly the poorer areas, where many current jobs would disappear, in rural areas and in small towns. Considering the arguments of the economic analyses, it is very likely that the gross minimum wage per country guaranteed in payment will remain next year at this year's level.» The consultations will continue in November, and the Government will make a decision by the end of next month.
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