The Portuguese Presidency of the Council of the European Union will be seeking to safely guide the proposal for a directive on an appropriate minimum wage in the European Union (EU) to a successful conclusion. The proposal was presented by the Commission, which believes it to be very balanced and “an excellent base” to work from.

 

“We believe – and I am speaking now not only as a Member State, but also as the country holding the Presidency of the Council of the EU – that the proposal for a directive [EU law] on an appropriate minimum wage in the EU represents a factor of change and of fundamental progress in the way we see the role played by a minimum wage on a European scale”, according to the Portuguese Deputy Minister of Labour and Vocational Training.

 

Miguel Cabrita, who took part in a Committee of the Regions discussion via video conference, underlined that the initiative “is also an important step for making the European Pillar of Social Rights a reality”. The action plan is expected to be adopted at the Porto Summit in May.

He believes that this legislative proposal “confirms the role of a minimum wage in the construction of a fair and sustainable European market which also has a significant social dimension and makes a significant contribution to strengthening the social, as well as the territorial, cohesion of Europe, preventing distortions of competition and of the market”.

 

On the other hand, the proposal also highlights “the role of social dialogue and collective bargaining, thus reinforcing the role of social partners and social participation and dynamics in such a fundamental issue”.
“In our opinion, it is therefore an excellent starting point and an excellent work base for seeking, as we will seek, to safely guide this proposal to a successful conclusion”, he said.

 

*in collaboration with LUSA