Businesses upset when minister proposes mandatory Christmas bonus

Ljubljana – Labor Minister Luka Mesek has caused an uproar among business people after announcing changes to the law, including a proposal for a compulsory Christmas bonus. The proposal has been described as populist and ill-timed at a time when businesses are grappling with high energy prices.

“Our ministry is proposing to introduce a compulsory Christmas bonus, which is an additional benefit. If passed, employees will receive benefits equivalent to the minimum wage this winter. will be,” Mesec was quoted as saying yesterday at a conference of the Trade Crafts and Small Business Employers Association.

Chamber of Commerce chairman Braj Sivar, who represents the same sector, rejected the proposal on Wednesday on the strongest terms, pointing to the energy crisis.

“Traders and entrepreneurs are fighting to keep businesses alive and to keep jobs. commented the person responsible for

The Chamber of Commerce advocates appropriate rewards, but believes Christmas bonuses should be voluntary. “I’m sure any employer who can afford it will reward the employee and pay his bonus over Christmas,” Cvar said in a written response.

Several food industry representatives lashed out at the proposal as bystanders at a meeting of the Chamber of Agriculture and Food Companies on Wednesday.

Mlinotest’s Danilo Kobal said the proposal is not needed at this time. He Mlinotest, a bread and pasta company, regularly pays out Christmas bonuses. If the minister’s proposal is adopted, the company will have to change the amount of the bonus.

Janez Rebec of poultry company Pivka Perutninarstvo said the proposal was ill-timed and the food industry would face liquidity problems.

“I certainly believe that everyone still distributes as much as they can. There is no excess profit in our industry and the added value is very low at €40,000, so the revenue is very high. modest,” he said, adding that such proposals should be communicated through social dialogue.

Izidor Krivec, CEO of meat processing company Celjske Mesnine, found the proposal populist. It is right for workers to participate when there are profits, but most companies in the sector will suffer losses this year, he said. “If we have to give up on this, it will be another nail in the coffin for the food industry.”

Panvita’s Branko Virag, meanwhile, suggested that the company consider reducing the tax wedge on labor so that employees get more.

As expected, unions welcomed the offer of a mandatory Christmas bonus.