An increase of the minimum wage to €600 as of next year, as announced by Smer party MP Erik Tomas and his party colleague Labour Minister Jan Richter, has triggered criticism. Employers are criticizing the fact that such an important step is being prepared without any consultation with them. They describe it as merely an attempt to hoard political points. According to the spokeswoman for the Federation of Employers' Associations, Miriam Špániková, their organization will participate in negotiations on increasing the minimum wage only if the discussion is supported by economic indicators. Employers think that it is not good when politicians announce beforehand what the outcome should be, because any such predetermined outcome will spoil the opportunity to negotiate.
The Association of Private Physicians (ASL) has also expressed concern over the consequences of such a step at a time when the healthcare system is plagued by insufficient resources. Trade Unions are not happy about it either. Trade Unions Confederation Vice-President Monika Uhlerová does not approve of the interference of politicians in negotiations between the trade unions and employers over the minimum wage level for the year 2020.
