FedEE review of minimum wage rates

Many countries in Europe operate statutory or collectively determined minimum wage rates. In all but a handful of countries, these rates provide a standard of living that is close to (or even below) subsistence levels. Denmark, Finland, Italy and Sweden do not operate national minimum rates, but nevertheless have minimum rates set through sectoral collective agreements that jointly cover a high proportion of the working population. Germany operates statutory minimum rates in the construction, janitorial and postal sectors.

The International Labour Organisation establishes minimum rates for able seamen. This is set at $545.00 US per month in 2009/10.