Negotiations on the 2026 minimum wage in Serbia will start on Monday, August 18, involving representative trade unions, the Government, and the Union of Employers.
The United Branch Trade Union (UGS) “Nezavisnost” and the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Serbia (SSSS) are conducting a survey of employee earnings and spending, which will be completed just before the talks. The survey also evaluates the real value of the consumer basket currently used to calculate the minimum wage. According to Zoran Ristić, economic advisor at UGS “Nezavisnost,” the survey aims to align citizen needs with statistical data on minimum and average consumer baskets.
Ristić emphasized that the unions are pushing for a single consumer basket—rather than two separate minimum and average baskets—reflecting citizens’ needs for a decent standard of living. He noted that most EU countries use one consumer basket, suggesting it is logical for Serbia to adopt the same approach in its EU integration process.
The unions’ position remains that the minimum wage should cover the basic needs of employees and their families, factoring in living cost trends and real inflation.
While the Social and Economic Council (SES) formally decides the minimum wage, President Aleksandar Vučić previously announced that it would reach €550 in 2026. He stated that from October 1, 2025, the current minimum of 53,500 dinars (€457) will rise by 9.4% to 58,630 dinars (€500). From January 1, 2026, the minimum salary will reach €550, supported by a 15% increase in the non-taxable portion of wages.
SSSS President Zoran Mihajlović indicated that the union will propose a minimum wage of around €600 during the negotiations.
