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Moldova had the highest net minimum monthly wage in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) as of the beginning of 2024, at *** euros. The minimum wage in Azerbaijan ranked second, measuring at *** euros, closely followed by Russia. The lowest figure was recorded in Uzbekistan, where the minimum wage was just enough to cover basic food expenses.

Why does the minimum wage get adjusted?

The main idea behind the minimum wage is to improve the living standards of workers, particularly those in low-paid occupations. Furthermore, it strives to reduce the gender pay gap, promote workers’ effort, reduce the number of people in welfare programs, and increase consumption. Due to inflation and rising prices, governments occasionally review the minimum salary to maintain the purchasing power of their citizens. For example, Kazakhstan had one of the highest inflation rates in the CIS region in 2023, at around ** percent. Consecutively, the minimum wage in the country increased by approximately ** percent in that year. 

Is everyone guaranteed the minimum wage?

Despite labor law protections in place, holding a job in an unregistered enterprise or working a non-declared job in a registered enterprise allows employees to circumvent minimum wage regulations. For instance, in Russia, employment in the informal sector made up less than a of the total in 2022. The share of those working in industries unregulated by the state increased from the previous year due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. In April 2021, over a of surveyed Russians admitted to working reduced hours, being furloughed, or becoming unemployed, which made the gray economy sector the only viable option for thousands.