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Michel Servoz: Romanian authorities should draw up a transparent wage guide
In Romania there is, momentarily, no transparency in determining minimum wage, and that is why the authorities should draw up, in the following period, a transparent wage guide, said on Tuesday Michel Servoz, Director-General of Directorate-General 'Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion' of the European Commission, following his meeting with members of labor committees in the Romanian Parliament.
'In regard to the minimum wage, the Commission's analysis shows that momentarily there is no transparency in determining minimum wage and this must be discussed at the level of Government. We consider it is important to have balance between increasing wages on the basis of competitivity and respecting the interests of business partners. In this context, the committee recommends drawing up a transparent wage guide, taking into account the opinion of social partners. We are speaking of three base elements: 1. a transparent guide; 2. a process of consultation with social partners must exist; 3. the economic situation of the country must be taken into account when determining minimum wage', said Michel Servoz.
Regarding unrecorded labor, Michel Servoz considers that this subject represents a structural problem for Romania.
'The committee that I am leading has recently proposed the creation of a platform that would fight unrecorded labor. Member states can work together on this matter. We are not talking of cooperation between authorities, but of a network, a platform, that is important because unrecorded labor is spreading in certain member states and there is a need for action. The penalties imposed on employers that use undeclared labor are important, but not sufficient. We consider that stimulants can be offered for declared labor. It means cutting taxes and tariffs for persons with small and medium wages, to stimulate those that are working legally', added the European official.
In what regards professional schools, Michel Servoz declared that he appreciates the reforms undertaken by Romania in this sector, but the results of the reforms are not seen yet.
'These reforms were introduced in 2012, and as such, time is needed for them to have an impact. Following the evaluations made, the committee considers that these reforms are adequate, but they must be accelerated so that positive results are obtained. We are preoccupied by the business world's involvement in education, and in this domain reforms may be accelerated, or even deepened. Furthermore, we recommend that the members of the Chamber of Deputies make a decision faster regarding the project to even out the retirement age of men and women', said Michel Servoz.
The project to even out the retirement age of men and women at 65 years has passed through Senate and is presently in debate in the Chamber of Deputies, the deciding chamber of the project.