Social sector workers demand immediate 25% wage increase in Hungary

Workers in the social sector demonstrated in front of the Prime Minister's Office in Budapest, demanding an immediate 25 percent wage increase and improved working conditions. The Social Sector Workers' Union (SZÁD) organized the protest, arguing that current wage levels contribute to high staff turnover and professional shortages that threaten the quality of care.

Prime Minister Péter Magyar met with the demonstrators and acknowledged that a 25 percent increase alone would not constitute a real solution to the sector's systemic issues. He noted that the government inherited a collapsed and depleted budget, which complicates immediate large-scale raises. While the government previously promised a 20–25 percent increase implemented in two stages, workers are rejecting the installment plan, demanding the full amount immediately.

Magyar invited union representatives to further negotiations, though the union suggested a later date for discussions. The protesters emphasized that the requested increase would cost approximately 0.3 percent of the national budget, which they argue is a manageable amount to ensure social security.