Baku:The Azerbaijani government is set to introduce a minimum hourly wage system, with initial implementation in the agriculture and catering sectors. This decision was announced by Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population, Zaur Aliyev, during a meeting of the Milli Majlis Committee on Labor and Social Policy.

According to Azeri-Press news agency, Aliyev explained that the new wage system is necessary due to the existence of short-term employment contracts, part-time working arrangements, and flexible forms of employment in specific sectors. The draft proposal suggests implementing hourly wages for employment contracts lasting less than one month and for jobs requiring 20 hours or less of work per week.

The proposed system intends for the minimum hourly wage to exceed the hourly rate derived from the current minimum monthly wage. The Cabinet of Ministers will determine the sectors where this new wage system will be applied, beginning with agricultural production and catering services. Aliyev noted that future expansions to include other sectors are possible.

The Deputy Minister highlighted that this amendment aims to provide a more adaptable minimum wage system, increase transparency in wage calculations, and align Azerbaijan's practices with international standards.