Minimum Wage: Evolution, Functions and Dilemmas of Transformation

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the evolution of the minimum wage, focusing on its multidimensional functions in the context of political transformation. The authors highlight the role of the minimum wage as a key safety net, protecting the lowest-paid from the effects of economic shocks. The text provides a detailed discussion of the Kaitz index as a comparative tool and its impact on labor market dynamics and economic competitiveness. The analysis also addresses dilemmas related to marginal productivity, entry barriers for young workers, and the risk of an expanding informal economy. A key element is the presentation of regulatory mechanisms, such as tripartism and the concept of transitional work, which aim to promote social and professional integration. The article is complemented by a look at the impact of service automation on the wage structure and the challenges posed to income policy by contemporary inflation and the pursuit of wage adequacy within European standards.