Latvia: the Free Trade Union Confederation goes around key political forces to sign agreements before the upcoming election

Focus on taxes in the agreement with the nationalists.  In the memorandum of understanding signed between LBAS and VL-TB/LNNK (made up of the two nationalist parties, “Visu Latvijai” and “Tēvzemei un Brīvībai”/LNNK), it is provided that the tax burden should be shifted from labor to expensive and infrequently used properties, capital, and to consumption.  More practically, this means that employees’ non-taxable minimum as well as its addition per each dependent person are to be increased in medium term, the reduced VAT rates of 10% are to be kept for electricity, gas, heat and firewood supply, periodicals, medicine, public transportation, as well as hotel services, and the minimum wage is to be increased above the current LVL180 (around €257).  Small to medium wages in general are to be relieved of taxes to the extent possible, in case necessary, even via introducing a progressive income tax.  Further specified social policy targets include an increase in the current state social security support by one third; early retirement remaining possible until 2016; and state financing to the healthcare sector reaching 4.5% of GDP by 2015.
Enjoy this article for free while you’re in your trial period
You have access to our content for 1 month.

periodicals, medicine, public transportation, as well as hotel services, and the minimum wage is to be increased above the current LVL180 (around €257). Small to medium wages in general are to be relieved of taxes to the extent possible, in case necessary, even via introducing a progressive income tax. Further specified social policy targets include an increase in the current state social security support by one third; early retirement remaining possible until 2016; and state financing to the

Do you have information to share with us?
What you absolutely must read this week
The essential content of the week selected by the editorial team.
See all
France: sectors feel economic slowdown to differing degrees
The latest data on France’s occupational sectors (branches professionnelles), covering the year 2023, show how employment trends are shaping workplace dynamics. After a more favourable period for...
United Kingdom: Parliament finally passes Employment Rights Bill
The UK Labour government's flagship reform of employment rights was passed by both houses on 16 December after a turbulent parliamentary process. The bill introduces numerous changes to labour...
18 December 2025
EU: social partners in telecoms sign joint statement on AI
On 16 December, the social partners in Europe's telecommunications sector unveiled a joint statement on artificial intelligence. They propose an action plan for skills and commit to raising...
18 December 2025
EU: MEPs demand directive on algorithmic management
Members of the European Parliament have called for a directive on algorithmic management. Such legislation would introduce obligations for companies to inform employees, assess health and safety...
17 December 2025
Most viewed articles of the month on mind HR
What readers clicked on the most last month.
What readers clicked on the most last month.
1
Spain: new terms and conditions for in-company training contracts
On 25 November, Spain's Council of Ministers approved a regulation on training contracts. This text defines the terms and conditions for hosting work-study students and interns doing professional...
2
EU: Commission issues first recommendation on human capital as part of European Semester
In parallel with the European Semester adopted on 25 November, which proposes guidelines to member states on economic policies for the coming year, the European Commission has adopted an...
3
France: sectors feel economic slowdown to differing degrees
The latest data on France’s occupational sectors (branches professionnelles), covering the year 2023, show how employment trends are shaping workplace dynamics. After a more favourable period for...
4
Germany: apprenticeship openings fall sharply in manufacturing and chemicals
From 1 January 2026, Dutch collective agreements for temporary employment agencies will alter the employment conditions of temp workers. Agencies will be required to pay these workers at least the...