For many years in Russia, the minimum wage was set below the subsistence level. Citizens never ceased to be indignant, how is this possible ?! But how are things now?
The first step has been taken: the state has recognized the problem and is making regular wage increases. But it is still below the subsistence level. In the next year, 2013, it is planned to increase wages by as much as 13%, but the gap from the minimum for living will also be high. If today it is 6,800 rubles, and will be increased next year, the difference in salary will be the same as now (4,600 against 6,800 in 2012; 5,200 against an estimated 8,000 in 2013).
According to the Labor Code, the minimum wage in Russia cannot be lower than the subsistence level. In reality, it is only 67%. Why does this rule of law not work? Due to loopholes in federal law, which sets a minimum size.
The gap in the amounts is serious. In 2013, the minimum wage (minimum wage) can be equated to the cost of living in 2011 (then it was 5600). The question is why all over the world there is no such nonsense, but has it formed in our country? Will any measures be taken to equate these figures?
These issues are of interest to many Russians, since the official salary (judging by statistics, which, of course, does not fully reflect reality), more than 20% of the population is equal to or even less than the subsistence level. Another category of citizens is pensioners, they are also dependent on this indicator and do not stop wondering how it is possible to set such an amount as a minimum, when this money is not enough even for medicines. It is no secret that even cheap analogues of necessary medicines are quite expensive today, and they are constantly needed for chronically ill patients. By the retirement age, the overwhelming majority of the country's inhabitants have revealed a disease (or even more than one) that requires continuous treatment. Not having the opportunity to purchase either medicines or products in the required quantity, pensioners do not live, but only exist.
The reasons for this situation are not explained, the authorities in different ways answer this question. There is not enough budgetary funds to cover the difference between the minimum wage and the cost of living. But the problem is not only this, treasury funds could be redistributed. The point is different: if the minimum wage is increased, this will change the situation with small businesses. It is no secret that jur. To individuals and employers, to put it mildly, such an increase is not beneficial. Their expenses on taxes and fees, on salaries to employees will be directed by small firms directly on the path of bankruptcy.
In addition, the minimum wage in Russia determines social benefits. With its increase, there will be an increase in benefits and pensions. This instantly "devastates" the treasury. Therefore, the equation of the two indicators is gradual. And in the future, it is planned to revise the consumer basket and the minimum wage itself, so that the base amounts correspond to time, needs, and the real situation in the country. It is a pity that such measures will not be carried out soon.
The minimum wage plays a big role in the economic and social issues of the country's life. It is this indicator that reflects the equality (more precisely, its absence) between state employees and employees of private firms, between pensioners and the able-bodied population, and so on. It is the minimum wage that defines the poverty line, beyond which the majority of the country's population is located. Lack of money is the most terrible problem of the state, especially against the background of other developed civilized countries. What place is Russia destined to occupy in the world, among other countries, if we cannot solve such an important problem for citizens as an unacceptable mismatch between the minimum wage and the minimum subsistence level?