The active population in figures

Working conditions

Legal weekly duration

40 hours

Retirement age

55 for women and 60 for men.

Working contracts

Employment contracts are regulated by law and to a lesser degree by collective agreements.
The terms of employment contracts are very rigid.

Cost of labor

Minimum wage

90 lats (USD156)

Average wage

The average net salary in 2008 was LVL 477 (EUR 680 ), which is an increase of 45% compared to 2006. In the public sector, the gross average salary has reached LVL 568 (808 EUR), while in the private sector it is LVL 434 (EUR 620).

Social contributions

Social security contributions paid by employers: 26.09 %.
Social security contributions paid by employees: 9 %.

Social partners

Social dialogue and involvement of social partners

N/A.

Unions

LBAS - Latvian Free Trade Union Federation.
LMDA - Medical Workers Trade Union. It is one of the biggest unions in Latvia. It brings together employees in the health systems. LMDA is a member of the Trade Unions of Public Services International PSI.
LGrAS - Book industry Trade Union. It brings together the employees of the book and small volume industries, publications in the press and publishing houses. LGrAS is a member of the International Graphics Federation IGF and the European Graphics Federation EGF.
LINA - Latvian Industrial Workers Trade Union. It brings together employees from the chemicals and light textiles industries. The Latvian Industrial Workers Trade Union. is a member of the International Federation of Chemical, Energy, Mine and General Workers' Unions and the International Textile, Garment and Leather Workers Federation ITGLWT.
LTAP - Trade Union of Commerce. Brings together public and private sector employees engaged in commerce as well as those in other commercial organizations. LTAP is a member of the International Federation of Commercial, Clerical, Professional and Technical Employees FIET.
LAKRS - Trade Union of Public Service Employees. It mainly brings together employees engaged in municipal enterprises. LAKRS is a member of the Trade Unions of Public Services International PSI.

Labor regulation bodies

The Latvian Ministry of Labor and Employment