The European Commission has already launched consultations with the social partners – employers and trade unions – on the calculation of the minimum monthly salary (MMA).

It is proposed to negotiate uniform MMA calculation methodologies in all European Union countries. The European Commission aims to obtain information on how best to ensure that every worker in the EU receives a fair MMA that ensures a decent living. A conversation with Socialdemokrate William BLINKEVIČIENĖ, vice-President of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs of the European Parliament.-What does the European Commission propose? Do you want to set a flat-rate MMA in all countries?-in the European Union, every tenth employee is experiencing poverty. Here is the essence: it is not possible to make a living in the wage. And so can not last forever. Discussions are taking place in particular on whether it is necessary to take action in the EU as a whole or to leave MMA issues at national level, as is the current? Now the MMA is determined by each state as a ' mine ' in 21 states by law, 6 under collective agreements (Austria, Denmark, Italy, Cyprus, Finland and Sweden). No bidding to unify MMA in all states is available. It is a pity that some politicians, not in a non-spiritual or intentional, mislead people. Is talking about a common methodology, norms that in each state the MMA is not too small. Now MMA in Luxembourg 7 times higher than in Bulgaria and 4 times than in Lithuania. Those who offer in Lithuania or Bulgaria to introduce Luxembourgish, Irish or German MMA, speak unrealistic things.-but what does the social Democrats in the European Parliament offer?-we are in favour of a common methodology at EU level to ensure that the MMA does not Only protect workers from poverty, enable them to meet basic needs (food, clothing, housing), but also ensure access to cultural, educational and social activities. This is how the European Social Charter is defined as a decent reward, which has been ratified by Lithuania.-Does this mean that the minimum wage can increase?-if the Council of Europe's Social rights Committee is to be agreed on the interpretation that the MMA should not be less As 60% of the average national wage net (after tax), it would increase in all Member States. Lithuanian trade unions support this. The European Trade Union Confederation shall comply with such provisions. Now, in most EU countries, as well as in Lithuania, the MMA does not exceed 50 percent of the average salary.-Suppose the bidding for 60 percent is taken. What would it mean, for example, in Lithuania?-now, after deduction of taxes, in Lithuania MMA is 437 euros. According to the data currently available, the MMA "in hand" should be increased by about EUR 85. These are not cosmic figures or the end of the world. The problem is that even with an increase in MMA, it is difficult to talk about fair remuneration and decent life in Lithuania. It would be fair to talk only about fairer and more decent. The fact that MMA is more likely to be earned by people in areas in smaller towns compared to major cities is a need to assess.-Some economists say that MMA in Lithuania is not an issue. Earn just 3 percent of the working...-Yes, I have heard that this is supposedly an excellent indicator of which Lithuania is jealous of most European states. Therefore, I ask: and how many workers in Lithuania earn MMA plus 1 euro, plus 5 or 10 euros? Tens of thousands. The Labour Code is a real miracle: it instructs MMA to pay only for unskilled work, while the MMA plus 1 euro is the salary of a skilled worker. A real convenience when it is necessary to pay a rundown salary to a qualified specialist. I have also heard in arguing that the increase in MMA would further increase emigration from Lithuania. Another miracle. I always thought and think that most people from Lithuania are driving on too low wages. It is estimated that half the population of the country earns less than 665 euros in the hands. This is another wonder of how people in the family are experiencing. So both in Lithuania and across the EU there is something to discuss and what a spear cram. And it is good. It would be bad if it were silence. Discussions, initial proposals mean that in the European Union, poverty (like Grees) will not succeed. That sooner or later, both European and national solutions will be adopted to help people who are working but still struggling. Jayaram K