Hungary minimum wage negotiations reveal gap between employers and unions

Negotiations regarding the 2027 minimum wage at the Permanent Consultative Forum of the Competitive Sphere and the Government have reached a stalemate. The employer side, represented by the National Association of Entrepreneurs and Employers (VOSZ), has proposed a 4 percent increase. This proposal takes into account government data suggesting that social measures and tax credits could result in a 9 percent increase in net income for the lowest earners.

In contrast, the labor side, represented by the Confederation of Hungarian Trade Unions (MASZSZ), expressed significant disagreement with the employer proposal. The unions are interested in maintaining the existing three-year wage agreement, which originally envisioned a 14 percent increase for 2027. Discussions regarding which economic criteria for the agreement have or have not been met are expected to continue next week.