In its annual report submitted Wednesday to the government and to the social partners, the group of experts on the minimum wage advocates not to give a boost to the minimum wage on January 1, 2023.
by Thibaud Métais
Different context, same recommendations. In its annual report, sent Wednesday November 30 to the government and to the social partners and to which MO12345lemonde had access, the group of experts on the minimum wage recommends without surprise not to give a boost to the minimum wage at 1 er January 2023 and offers three reform tracks to deeply review the current revaluation system.
The increase in the minimum wage is today indexed on two values: inflation, following the consumer price index for 20 % of the most modest households, and half of the annual increase in power purchase of the basic hourly wages of workers and employees. In “normal” time, that is to say without any particular inflation, this automatic increase takes place on 1 er January of each year. In addition to it, the government can give an additional bonus, the famous “boost”. Established in 2008, the group of experts is precisely responsible for enlightening the executive in the orientation to be given to the minimum wage.
On the other hand, during this period of high inflation, which rises, according to the latest INSEE calculations, in September, at 6.2 % over a year, the increases are linked. After two increases in 2021, the minimum wage experienced three new revisions in 2022: 1 er January, at 1 er May and 1 er August, either in all + 5.6 % over a year (to set up today at 11.07 euros gross an hour, or 1,678.95 euros gross monthly ). If we include the revaluation of October 2021, the increase is even 8 %.
“Strengthen the role of collective negotiation”
Consequently, knowing that the group, chaired by the economist and professor at Neoma Business School, Gilbert this, never recommends a boost usually, he is considered even less necessary in this inflationary climate. “The probable revaluation of the 1 er January 2023, linked to the automatic revaluation mechanisms, will protect the purchasing power of employees in the minimum wage in the face of the rise in the price index,” said the report . According to group calculations, the automatic revaluation of 1 er 2023 would be around 1.8 %.
This minimum wage indexing on inflation divides economists and politicians. Some consider it essential to protect the purchasing power of the most modest and even ask to apply the measurement to all wages. Others believe that it may cause an increase in the cost of fatal labor to companies, which would result in massive job destruction.
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