Unions are demanding that the minimum wage in Croatia amount to 1,250 euros gross from 2027.

That would be 200 euros more than the current 1,050 euros gross, as prescribed for 2026.

As reported by Katarina Brečić for RTL Danas, the demand was announced by the general secretary of the Construction Workers' Union of Croatia, Domagoj Ferdebar, and the Government's decision is expected by the end of October.

A higher gross amount does not mean an equal increase in the account

The current minimum wage brings a worker approximately 800 euros net, depending on place of residence and tax reliefs. Ferdebar describes the proposed 1,250 euros gross for RTL as around 1,000 euros net, but that amount would not be the same for everyone. Gross salary includes contributions and possible tax, so an increase of 200 euros gross does not mean 200 euros more to spend. According to the report's data, around 74,000 workers, or 6% of employees, receive the minimum wage.

Employers warn that the increase does not stop at the minimum wage

The Croatian Employers' Association believes that the increase should follow inflation and productivity. Their chief economist Hrvoje Stojić warns that raising the lowest wage creates pressure to increase other wages in companies as well. Simply put, when the wage of the lowest-paid position rises, the question arises of how much workers in more demanding jobs should receive. Employers therefore calculate a broader cost than just the increase in the minimum wage itself.

The same amount, but a different deadline

The Government has already set a goal in its program for the minimum wage to reach 1,250 euros gross by 2028. The union demand is now seeking that amount already for 2027, and the Ministry of Labour is announcing the final decision after consultations with unions and employers. For workers, the difference is very concrete: accepting the proposal would mean reaching the amount the Government has already outlined sooner. For now, however, this is a demand, not a confirmed wage for next year.