Candidate for welfare minister wants to increase wages for social workers

RIGA – Ramona Petravica (KPV LV), the candidate for the welfare minister, said that one of her primary tasks is to raise wages for social workers and EUR 6.4 million are necessary for this purpose.

Petravica in an interview with the Latvian public radio today listed her priorities, and especially pay rise for social workers.

“We have to find the necessary financing in this year’s budget, otherwise social workers may flow away to look for new jobs,” she said.

In relation to the welfare sector, the future government led by Krisjanis Karins (New Unity) has resolved in the government declaration to launch the started reforms, continue support to development of social services, revise the system assigning the disability status, continue support to groups of residents subjected to highest poverty risks, including senior citizens, one-parent families, families with many children and families with children with disabilities.

As reported, Karins-led government is expected to include ministers from five political parties: New Unity, the New Conservative Party, KPV LV, the National Alliance and For Development/For.