Statement on the Court of Justice of the European Union's decision on the Minimum Wages Directive (C-19/93)

The EESC Workers’ Group welcomes today’s judgment by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) on Case C-19/23, confirming the validity of the EU Minimum Wage Directive. The Court’s decision is a clear endorsement of the EU’s commitment to ensuring fair and adequate wages for workers and will come as a relief to many workers across the European Union, particularly those on low wages.

We are particularly pleased that the judgment upholds the Directive’s key adequacy benchmarks - minimum wages set at 50% of the median wage and 60% of the average wage. These benchmarks are essential for guaranteeing decent living standards and protecting workers from in-work poverty.

The Court’s recognition of the importance of collective bargaining as a cornerstone of wage-setting is also a significant victory for workers and their unions. Strengthening collective bargaining across the EU remains vital to achieving fair pay, safe and decent working conditions and social justice throughout the EU.

In its opinion on the European Commission's proposal for a directive on adequate minimum wages, the EESC agreed with the overall objectives of achieving adequate minimum wages and strengthening collective bargaining systems across the EU, making work pay, fighting poverty, and strengthening the role of social partners and social dialogue, in line with national industrial relations systems. We urge Member States and the European Commission to act decisively to ensure the strong and effective implementation of the Directive.

Lucie Studničná, Workers' Group President at the EESC, said "As Europe's workers continue to face significant challenges from the cost-of-living crisis and the ongoing digital and green transformation, the Workers’ Group will continue to support all efforts that secure workers’ rights and raise standards for all. Member States should now implement the directive and adopt national action plans to increase collective bargaining coverage to 80%. Today’s judgment is a decisive step forward, and we remain determined to monitor its implementation and see its full potential realized for the benefit of workers and their families across Europe."