Real consequences for lower skilled workers in the United Netherlands
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by Hugo McFartalot
Hello Brusselians,
Just a short comment on how the ill-thought out policies of LSD (in government) has a real effect on the wages levels of a significant proportion of the workforce in eUNL.
11 days ago Perro Guapo, in coordinated action with Cocoamok, proposed the lowering of the minimum wage in our country from 5NLG to 4NLG. They proved to be cunning politicans by inserting the minimum wage reduction into the greater debate about reforming to the Collective Labour Agreement. Some of us in Congress objected to this tactic, arguing that the minimum wage reduction was a separate topic, and when it came to the final vote 11 other Congressman joined me by voting against the wage reduction but the vote narrowly passed by 15 to 12. No proper debate on the UNL Forum about that specific issue - another example of those who use this country like their own personal fiefdom!
Cocoamok argued that she was relieving the burden on business (even though we had recently reduced tax levels) by lowering the wage levels of those citizens who had just started work but would quickly move out of that low wage bracket when their XP level quickly surpasses the lowest level (which we can take to mean 0 - 1 and maybe even 1 -2).
However the consequence of the minimum wage reduction is reflected in the employment market's reaction to lower wages, across industries, and affecting a greater number than envisaged by the ministers concerned with this action. Some level 2 workers are barely earning about the old minimum wage of 5NLG per hour as employers look to cut costs.
I was happy, as were others in Congress, for the minimum wage to remain at 5NLG. The government has been too quick to reduce wages and thus the quality of life in eUNL for many has suffered. 5NLG was a fair level; I don't care about the argument that eUNL is experiencing deflation or a recession - it doesn't mean that new citizens shouldn't be given the opportunity to save more cash or spend more in our marketplace (stimulating growth). I believe in fairness, and so that means looking out for the 'little man' too.
Regards,
Hugo
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Comments
The government has not proposed this lowering of the minimum wage, so it would be nice that after telling that a lot of times it is not said that the government is responsible.
The tax reduction on income tax Hugo Mc Fartalot is writing about did not help companies because their expenses stayed the same.
As said before food and weapon prices are far lower than when the minimum wage was 1 NLG higher.
It saves very much money in the traing companies, otherwise the taxes should be raised again.
Less multies are active in our nation, we spill less money on them.
Companies are able to stay open, so more jobs available.
LSD, who you can held responsible for this minimum wage to 4 NLG (together with all others that vote in favour) wanted to be realistic. We care for the little man. We support the state companies providing jobs for anyone. We voted against a tax rising plan on income. LSD supports solidarity, but does not believe utopia can be reached. Still our nation is one of the few with good income for the starting citizens, we have enough jobs and this stays possible in the furture. That is enough for LSD.
voted
hugo, you're right 🙂