Newsletter 2016/I.
LIGA''s research project "An attempt to revitalize social dialogue and national industrial relations systems in some of the CEECs" - lesson learnt and best practices in the way out of the crisis" reached a new phase by publishing country studies. Hungarian teachers organized a demonstration in Budapest on 13 February and elsewhere around the country to push their demands for better working conditions and a reversal of the centralization of the education system. Mr István Gaskó resigned from his position officially on 17 February 2016. As a result of the national wage negotiations minimal wages rose in 2016 by 5,4% to the gross amount of 111.000 HUF (approx. 355 Euros), although through the negotiations no guidelines were issued for those wage levels, which are higher than official minimal wages.
Project country studies on social dialogue are now published
LIGA''s research project "An attempt to revitalize social dialogue and national industrial relations systems in some of the CEECs" - lesson learnt and best practices in the way out of the crisis" reached a new phase by publishing country studies. The project focuses on collecting information by academics and joint learning of representatives of social partners - first of all, representatives of trade union organizations in the involved countries: Hungary, Bulgaria, Lithuania, Latvia and Poland. Also it aims to exchange best practices within some of the CEECs and more developed countries (France). The project partners aim to introduce in details to each other their industrial relation system, ways of social dialogue and related activities, how they cope with the challenges imposed by the crisis, especially since 2012. The above objective is reached through country studies and a comprehensive overview study that LIGA Trade Unions are pleased to share with you on the following link: http://socdial.eu/page/2679/html/expert-materials.html We would like to thank our project partners for their kind contribution!
Demonstration organized by Hungarian teachers
Hungarian teachers organized a demonstration in Budapest on 13 February and elsewhere around the country to push their demands for better working conditions and a reversal of the centralization of the education system. The centre of the demonstration took place outside the Parliament building, on Kossuth tér where tens of thousand of people gathered. LIGA Trade Unions along with many trade unions joined the action.
Teachers released a 25-point petition. Their demands include changes to place less burden on students, to the new government-mandated curriculum; the separation of state and institutional control; the provision of “real” costs and expenditures for the operation of the education system; and restoration of a maximum of 22 classes/ week for teachers, who should receive overtime if this number is exceeded.
It''s been reported that according to teachers the Klebelsberg Institution Maintenance Center (KLIK), the central education body has introduced so many reforms including such excessive paperwork, that educators cannot focus on teaching students anymore. Teachers were supported not only by unions, but wide range of public service workers and the majority of the society including parents and students.
Changes in LIGA leadership
Mr István Gaskó resigned from his position officially on 17 February 2016. He was the president of LIGA Trade Unions for 20 years. The LIGA Council has started to prepare the next election procedure. This process is foreseen to be finished until this summer when the new president shall be elected. In the transition period, Mr. János Czövek, Co-president is taking over the tasks of the ex-president.
Hungarian wages in brief
As a result of the national wage negotiations minimal wages rose in 2016 by 5,4% to the gross amount of 111.000 HUF (approx. 355 Euros), although through the negotiations no guidelines were issued for those wage levels, which are higher than official minimal wages. The minimum wages in Hungary are still below the poverty threshold. In a macroeconomic sense, domestic consumption has been artificially dampen, which strongly reflects in the inflation and GDP numbers. Overall wage levels are incredibly strained and tensions in wage levels are surmounting.
Hungarian Labour Market and LIGA in Numbers
Did you know that in Hungary
- National minimum gross wage in 2016: 111.000 HUF
- Minimum amount of old age pension: 28.500 HUF/month
- Maximum period of unemployment benefit : 90 days
- Maximum amount of unemployment benefit: 3700 HUF/day
- Child care allowance :12.200 HUF/1 child/month