Small Wages

Almost half of Latvians earn less that 500 euro a month before taxes. Government agrees to increase a minimum wage by 10 euro, leaving country behind its Baltic neighbours.

Estonia and Lithuania can. Why not Latvia?

The largest private employer in Latvia, the supermarket chain Maxima, is constantly looking for workers. The long and intensive work hours are only some of the reasons why people leave their jobs at this employer.

One in six people of economically active working age cannot find a job in Latvia, yet business owners are still complaining about labour shortages. Apparently Latvians have got used to living off welfare and this is the reason why workers…

An aching back, cut fingers, and at least eight hours of monotonous work make up an ordinary day at the Gamma-A fish factory. The pay for a packed can is two santimes (2.8 euro cents).