Hungarian social sector unions demand promised 25% wage increase

Labor unions representing Hungary’s social sector are demanding the fulfillment of a promised 25 percent wage increase. During a meeting of the Social Sector Interest Negotiation Forum (SZÁÉF), representatives reported a lack of progress regarding the scheduling of these raises, despite previous election promises made by Péter Magyar and the Prime Minister.

Union leaders expressed concern that the failure to implement timely wage adjustments could lead to a mass exodus of professionals from the sector, potentially depriving citizens of essential human services. While the government previously suggested a two-step increase, workers have yet to receive a formal written proposal to review.

Representatives from the Trade Union of Workers in the Social Sector (SZÁD) and the Trade Union of Hungarian Civil Servants, Public Employees and Public Service Workers (MKKSZ) emphasized that a 25 percent raise should only be a starting point to bring social sector wages in line with those in the healthcare and education sectors.