[Marxism] VZA: Unions Agree on salary increase of 30%

[Greg McDonald <sabocat59@xxxxxxx>]

Venezuela: Unions agree on a salary increase of 30%

By:  Ultimas Noticias
04/19/07

Caracas. The principal labor organizations agree on a 30% increase in  
the minimum wage to offset a yearly inflation rate of 17%.

They hope that President Chavez agrees when he announces increases  
for the new year on the morning of May 1st.  Previous to this date  
the President has heard proposals from both the UNT and the CTV. The  
Bolivarian "Socialist Force" (FSBT) of the UNT, underscores the need  
of a salary increase of at least 17%  to cover the annual inflation  
rate in 2006, although they said a 30% increase would be better.

The C-Cura current is asking for a 100% increase, considering that  
the costs of goods and services  is not completely covered now by the  
current salary of 512.325 Bs. They argue against  increases through  
unilateral "presidential decree",  stating "now is the time for  
pluralism",  for agreements reached through consensus from within the  
unions.

The CTV is requesting a 30% salary increase.

Although the law states that the Labor Ministry should designate  
proposals on the issue, none have been forthcoming.

According to official statistics, salaries have risen 177% since 1999.

The current salary of Bs. 512.325 (238 dollars), is one of the  
highest in the region, according to organizations like the OIT....



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