The Vice-President of the Government stressed today in Ponta Delgada the increase of 20 percent in the regional minimum wage registered in the last four years. It corresponds an increase of 100 Euros in the monthly income at a time when the unemployment rate has fallen by half.
"Today, all Azoreans who earn the minimum wage receive 1,400 Euros more per year compared to what they earned four years ago," said Sérgio Ávila, who spoke after a hearing at the Committee on Economic Affairs of the Legislative Assembly.
"In fact, this represents an increase of 20 percent, which is substantially higher than the figures in force in Mainland Portugal and Madeira," added the government official.
Sérgio Ávila highlighted the fact that the regional minimum wage is higher than that of Madeira and the remaining national territory. According to him, " a positive trend has been registered in the Region with a growth of 20 percent," benefiting those who earn less. This is simultaneous with the reduction of the unemployment rate by half, reflecting the economic recovery.