From today, April 1, 2023, the new minimum wage comes into force, which, with the latest increase of 9.4%, is 780 euros. Accordingly, the minimum daily wage is also increasing, which from 29.04 euros in February 2019, increased to 29.62 euros in January 2022, to 31.85 euros in May 2022 and, in April 2023, increases to 34 .84 euros (a total increase of 5.8 euros).

At the same time, the increase in the minimum wage, which, at the moment, concerns 585,000 workers in the private sector, entails an increase in the unemployment benefit, which, as of today, April 1, 2023, is 479 euros per month from 438 euros in May 2022, 407 euros in January 2022 and 399 euros in February 2019. The cumulative increase in unemployment benefit from 2019 is 80 euros per month.

In particular, from 2019 until today, the minimum wage has been cumulatively increased by 20%, from 650 euros in February 2019, increased to 663 euros in January 2022, to 713 euros in May 2022 and to 780 euros in April 2023 (a total increase of 130 euros). In fact, if the gifts and leave allowance are taken into account, the minimum wage on a twelve-month basis is 910 euros, or 151.7 euros per month more than in 2019.

Regarding net earnings, the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs clarifies that the net salary after taxes and contributions amounts to 667 euros per month (778 euros with gifts and leave allowance) from 548 euros in 2019 (639 euros with gifts and leave allowance ). In total, minimum wage workers will receive three additional net wages compared to 2019 on an annual basis, as annual earnings rise from €7,667 in 2019 to €9,336 in 2023 (plus €1,669 or 21.8% ).

Those who had completed at least three years in their work, until February 14, 2012, have additional earnings, which can reach up to 30%, depending on the years of service.

At the same time, according to the data of the “ERGANI” Information System, the average salaries in 2022 increased by 12.4% compared to 2019.

According to the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, with the increase decided, Greece rises to 10th place among the 22 EU member states that have a minimum wage, from 13th place previously and, in terms of purchasing power, it rises to 13th position from 18th previously.

As it typically states, the significant and fair increase in the minimum wage, from April 1, 2023, “supports the income of workers, especially low-wage workers, who have been affected by imported inflation, without exceeding the capacities of businesses, which are also affected by the international economic crisis and the increase in production costs”.

As announced, “to determine the minimum wage, the reduction of unemployment from 17.5%, in the summer of 2019, to 10.8%, in January 2023, the growth of the economy, which is expected to continue, were taken into account this year, rising exports and high inflation. On the other hand, figures such as productivity, competitiveness, but also the increase in business costs were taken into account, so that the decision is indeed sustainable.”

In addition, with the increase in the minimum wage, aids and allowances based on the minimum wage or daily wage are adjusted. These include, among others, the unemployment benefit for the self-employed, the new job programs, the special end of unemployment benefit, the benefit due to suspension of work, special seasonal benefits for employees in the tourism and food industry, builders, forest workers, etc. ., the special maternity allowance, the parental leave allowance, the unpaid wages, due to the insolvency of the employer, the availability allowance, the compensation of the students in the Vocational Apprenticeship Schools of the Public Employment Service (DYPA), the compensation for the work experience programs, etc. a..

Indicatively, the allowances, after the increase in the minimum wage, are structured as follows:

Allowance-Amount

1. Special maternity benefit: Minimum salary (780 euros).

2. Parental leave allowance: Minimum salary (780 euros).

3. End of unemployment allowance: 13 daily allowances (249.08 euros).

4. Allowance for a three-month stay in the unemployment registers: 15 daily allowances (287.4 euros).

5. Allowance for those released from prison: 15 daily allowances (287.4 euros).

6. Temporary work: 20 daily allowances (383.2 euros).

7. Insolvency of employer: Up to 3 salaries.

8. Builder’s season: 70% of the 37 square days (902,356 euros).

9. Emery season: 70% of the 50 days (1,219.4 euros).

10. Seasonal for artists, theaters, tourism: 70% of the 25 per day (609.7 euros).

11. Other seasonal (woodworkers-resin collectors, tobacco workers, potters-ceramists-brickmakers and employees of the shipyard zone): 70% of the 35 per day (853.58 euros).

12. Aid for the self-employed: Monthly unemployment benefit (479 euros).

13. Work allowance: 50% of unemployment allowance (239.5 euros).

14. Compensation of EPA.S. students: 75% of daily salary (26.13 euros).

15. Internship allowance (IEK DYPA): 80% of the minimum wage (624 euros).

16. Gaining work experience: Minimum salary (780 euros).

17. Community benefit programs: Minimum daily wage.

18. Employment programs: Subsidy 50%-90% of the minimum wage.

19. For working students participating in exams: 30 daily wages for undergraduates (1,045.2 euros)/10 daily wages for postgraduates (348.4 euros).