Romania could pay minimum wages comparable to other EU member states by 2018 or 2019, said Labour Minister Rovana Plumb.

On July 1, the minimum salary will increase from RON 975 (EUR 221) to RON 1,050 (EUR 238), followed by another increase in January 2016. Then, the minimum wage will go up to RON 1,200 (EUR 272),.

About 1.7 million employees will benefit from this growth, 30% of whom work in private companies, whereas the rest are state employees.

Following the adoption of the new Fiscal Code, Romania could have a minimum wage similar to the EU level by 2018-2019, said Plumb, cited by local Capital.ro.

Romania currently has 5.2 million employees and 5 million pensioners, according to Labour Ministry.

editor@romania-insider.com