On the issue of determining «fair» wages in the Russian Federation

Abstract

The article reveals the concept of fair wages in international acts and in the legislation of various countries. The relationship between the minimum wage and the cost of living and the difference between the minimum and real wages is drawn. It is proved that the existing minimum wage is undoubtedly an important social standard designed to protect workers from excessively low incomes, however, its role is limited, since it only sets the lower wage level for unskilled workers, without taking into account the level of qualifications and complexity of the work performed. This leads to injustice and inequality, which is especially acute in relation to qualified specialists. In this regard, it is proposed to introduce an additional concept – the minimum rational wage (MRW). This standard will determine the minimum wage for qualified workers, taking into account their professional knowledge, abilities, skills and level of education. The minimum wage does not replace, but complements the minimum wage, establishing another, higher limit for remuneration for work requiring special training.