On Wednesday, Novi sindikat presented a new methodology, developed over six years by European trade unionists, which proposes replacing the minimum wage with a “living wage” as the ultimate goal guaranteed by the Constitution. In Croatia, this wage should amount to 1,377 euros.
Tomislav Kiš, General Secretary of Novi sindikat, told reporters that the global union network “Clean Clothes Campaign,” which focuses on working conditions in the textile industry, is leading a campaign to ensure wages are sufficient for a worker’s dignified life.
“Unlike the standard union basket, this method is more comprehensive. It includes housing, utilities, food, education, clothing, footwear, access to healthcare, transport, vacation time, and a small amount for savings,” said Kiš.
The main opponents of this calculation method are generally employers, as they often fail to understand that such a wage is not being demanded immediately. Instead, it is meant to be set as a goal toward which society should gradually progress, Kiš explained.
According to the union’s research, minimum wages in the Croatian textile industry are slightly below 30 percent of the amount that would allow a family to lead a dignified life.
Mario Iveković, President of Novi sindikat, stated that unionists in 15 European countries (seven EU members and eight non-members) worked on this methodology for six years, and it is being launched today in 25 countries.
According to Novi sindikat’s calculations, a living wage in Croatia should be 1,377 euros, which at the current Croatian National Bank (HNB) exchange rate is 10,433 HRK.
While the Croatian Government has made significant strides in increasing the minimum wage over the past few years, unionists are concerned that the government’s goal is not to achieve a living wage, as stipulated in the Constitution.
“They aim to reach 60 percent of the average wage, but our average wages are so low that this methodology is unacceptable. We want to insist on striving for what is written in the Constitution,” Iveković said.
Currently, a directive on the minimum wage is being discussed in the EU, and unions are demanding that the living wage methodology be taken as the target value for the minimum wage.
Iveković noted it is unfortunate that Croatia responded positively to the proposal in principle but provided “ridiculous objections,” such as claims that workers “cannot be forced to negotiate if they do not want to.”
“They are essentially mocking the workers; we know that workers want to negotiate, but they are being held back in various ways,” Iveković emphasized.
He also announced that they will begin signing agreements with brands this year, demanding that they take responsibility for all workers in their supply chain.
“Any brand operating in Croatia must take responsibility for the workers who produce for them and must ensure that those workers receive a living wage,” Iveković explained.
The text was originally published on the Glas Istre portal on April 7, 2021, under the title: “Novi sindikat calculates the Living Wage for Croatia“
Photo: Novi sindikat
