Trade unions protest against wage increase

VILNIUS - Early Oct. 7, the day which marks the World Day for Decent Work, several dozen representatives of Lithuanian trade unions convened outside the government building in protest against the planned increase in the minimum wage, reports ELTA. The deputy head of the Lithuanian Trade Union Confederation, Algirdas Kvedaravicius, said that the turnout at the demonstration was low due to the early time given for the protest campaign, as people from the neighboring districts did not manage to come on time.

Trade unions asked for permission to hold the rally at 12 p.m., but it was denied because of the World Mental Health Day events planned for the same venue. The most active protesters were from the party led by former Prime Minister Gediminas Vagnorius. They came to the rally carrying banners with such slogans as Kubilius, Hear the Right Demands of the Christian Party, 850 litas Equals Emigration, Christian Party Demands Pay Rise. The Lithuanian Trade Unions’ Coordination Center said it would boycott talks on the tripartite agreement for 2012 because social partners were given a set of abstract statements to sign, instead of a proper document with concrete facts and estimates. Trade unions say they are considering the possibility of holding massive protests if the government fails to respond to its demands.

“The government’s understanding of macroeconomics is limited to stabilization of finance, whereas there are no discussions about macroeconomic projects. Finance consolidation has not guaranteed the use of the money to improve the country’s macroeconomics,” the unions said.

The trade unions say that the government at first urged them and employers to agree on the rise of the minimum monthly wage and, as they decided to increase it up to 1,000 litas (290 euros), the government kept on delaying the final decision. Now it says that the minimum wage could be raised to 850 litas as of July 1, 2012, the unions noted. Currently, the minimum wage in Lithuania is 800 litas, or 670 litas after taxes.