Slovakia will increase the minimum wage in 2021 and introduce new rates for night and weekend work, as well as work performed outside a contractual employment relationship. This article provides details.
The Slovak Government has submitted a bill to the parliament that would increase the minimum monthly wage in 2021 from the current EUR 580 to EUR 623. This would mean the minimum wage will correspond to approximately 57% of the average gross wage in Slovakia last year. The amount of the hourly minimum wage would increase to EUR 3.580 from the current EUR 3.333 per worked hour.
At the same time, the system of six basic levels of the minimum wage is proposed to be changed based on the degree of work intensity. Currently, the last five levels are expressed as a multiple of the basic amount of the minimum wage. Based on this bill, a new flat-rate increase of EUR 43 will be introduced.
There are also proposed changes regarding surcharges for:
- night work;
- work on Saturday;
- work on Sunday;
- employees with agreements on work performed outside an employment relationship.
The wage surcharge is proposed to be changed from percentage to a specific amount, which is lower compared to the current situation. The surcharge for the night work is currently set at 40% of the minimum wage per hour and 50% for hazardous work. The bill changes 40% to EUR 1.43 and 50% to EUR 1.79. When the nature of the work requires night work, the wage surcharge would change from the current 35% of the minimum wage per hour to EUR 1.25.
When the nature of the job requires work on Saturdays, the wage surcharge for Saturday work is proposed to be changed from the current 50% and 45% to EUR 1.79 and EUR 1.61 respectively.
For work on Sundays, the wage surcharge will change from the original 100% and 90% to EUR 3.58 and EUR 3.22.
Remuneration for employees with agreements on work performed outside an employment relationship on a public holiday would be changed from the current 100% of the amount of the hourly minimum wage to a flat rate of EUR 3.58.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
