Pro-government MPs reject opposition bill to raise minimum wage in Armenia
MPs from Armenia’s ruling Civil Contract faction on Tuesday rejected an opposition proposal to increase the minimum wage from 68,000 drams to 100,000 (approx. $208).
Earlier on Monday, the Armenian National Assembly Standing Committee on Labor and Social Affairs gave a negative conclusion to the bill drafted by the opposition Hayastan faction, citing the post-war situation and the Covid-19 pandemic.
Speaking at a parliament session on Tuesday, Hayastan faction MP Aghvan Vardanyan argued that the basket of goods had risen by 21,7% to 73,000 drams, necessitating a pay rise.
Armenia’s minimum salary last increased from 55,000 drams to the current 68,000 in 2019.
“The prices of water, electricity and gas have increased. Consumer prices have grown by 7.2%, food prices – by 11.7%," the deputy said, urging his colleagues to back the initiative.
The bill was not put on the parliament agenda with 31 votes for and 61 against.