The Cabinet today approved raising the monthly minimum wage to NIS 5,000 in three installments, starting on April 1. The measure will be brought to the Knesset on Wednesday.
Following agreement by all Knesset factions, the minimum wage hike has been given special approval by Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein who ruled that such legislation could be enacted during an election campaign. However, Weinstein ruled against further legislation that would define the minimum wage as 52% of the average wage. This issue will be handled after the elections.
Minister of Economy Naftali Bennett said, "There were those who wanted to postpone this for the next government. But 700,000 Israelis have no time to wait. On April 1, the minimum monthly wage will rise by NIS 350, and then after two more installments it will rise to NIS 5,000."
Histadrut chairman Avi Nissenkorn said, "The Cabinet has today given final approval to the agreement reached between the Histadrut and the employers. The decision will help the process of closing social gaps and reducing inequality in Israel. In less than three months 700,000 families will start feeling the change."
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on January 18, 2015
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