From July 2 to 4, CELSI researchers Nina Holičková and Martin Guzi participated in the ILO’s 9th Regulating for Decent Work Conference held in Geneva, Switzerland, as part of the global WageIndicator team. Their participation reflects CELSI’s strong commitment to living wages, fair income policies, and improving the lives of workers worldwide.

As part of a special parallel session on "Living Wages and Decent Work", Martin Guzi presented the study "Global Benchmarks for Decent Living: Measuring and Validating the Living Wage Against Minimum Wage and Other Adequacy Standards", co-authored with Martin Kahanec, Nina Holičková, and Nii Ashia Amanquarnor.

The study introduces a harmonized measure of income adequacy and demonstrates through empirical analysis that living wages are a more reliable benchmark for a decent standard of living than current statutory minimum wages.

Using data from 38 countries, the team identifies the critical “material deprivation point” — the wage threshold above which unmet basic needs sharply decline.

Their results offer a robust and practical tool for policymakers, employers, and social partners to assess and reform wage policies.

“In April 2025, the ILO published a methodological guide to help countries calculate and implement a living wage. In Geneva, we were able to discuss experiences and calculation details directly with ILO experts. The topic of living wages is relevant in both rich and poor countries alike,” said Martin Guzi.

In addition, the WageIndicator team introduced the concept of a “Living Tariff”, establishing a wage floor for the self-employed, and presented empirical proof that living wages truly reflect the income level necessary to meet basic needs with dignity.

We are proud that CELSI researchers are actively shaping global debates on fair wages and decent work.

🔗 Learn more about CELSI’s work on living wages: https://wageindicator.org/salary/living-wage?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20570889349&gbraid=0AAAAADiTz5ezlauCfWNfRmoGFNa3BM2iV&gclid=CjwKCAjwg7PDBhBxEiwAf1CVu8-EY1AqJ_04cjgu7iiNPFSXIHzd7ARjVF0Co6iX0dYvVT1S1MDVBRoCQmEQAvD_BwE

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