Ukrainians in the Czech Republic are facing an increase in the minimum wage: how much will they earn in 2027

In the Czech Republic, the minimum wage in 2027 is set to rise by 2500 crowns. The increase will directly affect about 181 thousand workers, including Ukrainians engaged in low-paid jobs, reports Around Prague.

The agreement was announced by Czech Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Aleš Juchelka. The increase in the minimum wage will occur according to an automatic indexing mechanism agreed upon by the government, trade unions, and employers.

How the minimum wage will increase in the Czech Republic

According to the agreed mechanism, the minimum wage will gradually approach the average wage in the country. In 2028, it is expected to reach 45.8% of the average wage.

In 2029, the minimum wage should rise to approximately 26,900 crowns per month, which would correspond to 47% of the average earnings.

Currently, discussions are ongoing between unions and employers regarding how to index the minimum wage after 2029. The unions insist that its level should reach 50% of the average wage.

«This is the threshold required by the European Union,» said the head of the Czech-Moravian Confederation of Trade Unions, Josef Středula.

At the same time, employers are opposed to such an increase. The President of the Union of Industry and Transport, Jan Rafaj, pointed out that average wages in the Czech Republic are already increasing by 7-8% annually.

Who will be affected by the wage increase in the Czech Republic

According to the Information System on Average Earnings, about 4.9% of workers in the Czech Republic, or approximately 181 thousand people, receive the minimum wage.

This most commonly concerns low-skilled workers. Minimum wage rates are prevalent among cleaners, food service personnel, retail workers, and light industry employees. Many citizens of Ukraine also work in these sectors in the Czech Republic.

The increase in the minimum wage may also affect workers who currently earn slightly above the established minimum. Raising the lowest wage often forces employers to review compensation for other positions.

Let us remind you that the leader of the Freedom and Direct Democracy Party (SPD) and Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Republic, Tomio Okamura, announced talks with the European Union regarding the cessation of temporary protection for Ukrainian men of conscription age.