Minimum Wage Will Not Increase: Proposal Rejected

The Standing Committee on Labor and Social Affairs of the National Assembly of Armenia discussed on February 7 a bill proposed by Arayik Vardanyan, a member of the 'Armenia' faction, regarding amendments to the law on minimum monthly wages.

The opposition lawmaker suggested setting the minimum monthly wage at 100,000 AMD instead of the current 68,000 AMD. Vardanyan stated that the bill is based on the calculation of the minimum consumer basket, which was determined to be 70,000 AMD in 2021.

Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Ruben Sargsyan, presenting the government's position on the matter, stated that according to the 2021-2026 program, steps will be taken to establish the minimum wage at 85,000 AMD by 2026.

Sargsyan also noted that if the bill were adopted, the minimum wage in Armenia would equal approximately 50% of the average salary, which he argued is relatively high and could have a counterproductive effect on economic development. Therefore, the government proposed that the minimum wage remain unchanged at this time.

As a result of the voting, the committee gave a negative conclusion on the proposal.