In a recent meeting, Aurelija Maldutytė, the president of the Lithuanian Employers' Confederation, presented amendments to the current minimum wage (MMA) calculation formula. The proposal suggests not incorporating the projected growth of the average salary (VDU) for 2024 into the formula, which is currently set to include both past and future salary forecasts. Maldutytė argues that basing the minimum wage on expected increases leads to artificially inflated salaries rather than reflecting actual market conditions.

The context of this discussion is centered around the ongoing debate about maintaining a sustainable wage structure in Lithuania. Since 2017, regulations have stated that the relationship between the minimum wage and the average salary should be maintained at a ratio of 45 to 50 percent. This is intended to ensure that minimum wage workers receive a fair share of the overall salary increases in the economy. However, Maldutytė is concerned that the current formula fails to accurately represent market realities, leading to discrepancies and potential financial strain on employers.

The implications of altering the formula could be significant for both employees and employers in Lithuania. If employers successfully lobby for changes, it could result in a more stable and predictable wage structure that aligns more closely with actual economic conditions. Conversely, maintaining the projected salary growth in the calculation might lead to increased costs for businesses and potentially impact employment levels. Thus, this discourse highlights the delicate balance between safeguarding employees' rights and ensuring economic viability for employers.