"This article explores the criteria for minimum wage setting as set out in Article 5 of the European Minimum Wage Directive. Bulgaria must transpose the Directive and, as a result, some processes have already been initiated. However, tripartite national debates still register a failure to agree on the criteria that will be incorporated into the mechanism for setting and updating the minimum wage level. Concentrating only on those criteria currently listed (the Directive provides for the adoption of more than four), the article delivers an overview of trends over the last ten years and provides information on how each indicator has developed, along with the growth in the statutory minimum wage. This allows for conclusions to be drawn on the adequacy of minimum wage increases compared to the trends in these criteria. In addition, suggestions regarding the expected implementation are provided. The article is in support of the ongoing national debates, characterised as they are by major tension between the social partners along with hesitant government moves towards reviewing the minimum wage framework."

Support: Digital