A communiqué from Eurofound Social Intervention Study Centre (CESI), said Portugal was at the bottom of the “average category” that includes euro area countries with average performance in terms of minimum wage rises in real terms (at 2015 prices) between 2010 and 2019".
In 2019, these countries – Portugal, Malta, Spain, Greece and Slovenia – increased their minimum wages to between €700 and €1,050 (when converted into 12 annual payments).
Eurofound and CESI said that Spain and Greece had very significant increases in 2019 of 22% and 11% respectively, while Portugal only had 3.5%, putting it in the sub-group with the lowest increases.
The national minimum wage in Portugal went up to €600 a month in January this year, but the European Union (EU) considers the amount to be €700 as it divides the 14 payments (with Christmas and holiday bonuses) by 12 months.
The study also shows that the minimum monthly wage per hour in Portugal (€3.94) is lower than in Greece (€4.27) and Spain (€6.09).
Ridiculous increase from a socialist government. Workers living in poverty everywhere. Portugal needs increases similar to Spain's to help the poorer. Manyworking a minimum of six days a week in
By DonegalArt from Other on 09 Jun 2019, 08:56
Portugal is a great place to live if, and only if, you can find a decent paying job. Otherwise you'll drown in debt. 640 Euros monthly is a common paying amount, even for people with expertise in a given area. You'll do well to master English and seek work somewhere else.
By Valter Vilar from Lisbon on 10 Jun 2019, 12:23
DonegalArt doesn't know what he's talking about. Wages increases have to be affordable, or employees will cut back on staff. The amount of pay a company can afford is directly linked to productivity.
The huge 20% increase in Spain will result in higher prices in labour-intensive industries like catering and hotels, causing everyone else to be poorer. So be careful what you wish for. There is no majic wand to conjure up high salaries for everyone, and the reality is that people are paid what they're worth, not what you'd like them to be paid. You can take off your rose-tinted spectacles now.
By Jonny from Beiras on 10 Jun 2019, 18:13
I didn't get that if Portugal wages is 3.94
You should split from EU because what mean EU trust me just go out from worst economic
By Adnane from UK on 10 Jun 2019, 21:37
Why not increase to 3000 euros? Why increasing so little? What bad can happen?
By Jonathan from UK on 10 Jun 2019, 21:40
I agreed with DonegalArt's message! Portugal government either increase the minimum wages or give pooree housing voucher.
By Sue Bowman from Lisbon on 10 Jun 2019, 22:37