The Ministry of Labor, Pension System, Family, and Social Policy has issued the Decision on the extension of the Collective Agreement for the Trade Sector (KUT) (Official Gazette NN-96/25). This includes the second amendments concluded on February 3, 2026 (following the Agreement of September 25, 2024 – NN 117/24-63/25).

These amendments modify Article 27, which regulates pay grades, and the agreement has been extended to all employers in the trade sector (with exceptions such as pharmacies and vehicle repair). Below are the most significant elements for both employees and employers.

Scope of Application

The Collective Agreement covers all employers in Category G activities (Wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles), classified under sections G45, G46, and G47 of the National Classification of Activities (NKD). It applies to all workers regardless of their contract type (fixed-term/permanent, full-time/part-time) or nationality.

• Exceptions: Classes 45.20 (vehicle repair as a primary activity), 47.73 (pharmacies), and 47.74 (medical products and orthopedic aids).
• Validity: It is valid and applicable for 3 years from the date the Extension Decision enters into force.

Pay Grades and Minimum Salaries

All jobs must be classified into pay grades based on complexity (Article 27). The latest amendments (effective from April 1, 2026) have increased the minimum gross salaries excluding bonuses:

Note: The Collective Agreement sets these as the minimum gross amounts. However, if the statutory national minimum wage is higher (e.g., the 2026 national minimum is €1,050.00), the higher amount must always be applied.

Exception for Micro-Entrepreneurs

For micro-entrepreneurs (family shops, retail stores with few employees), the agreement provides a specific table with different minimum amounts, still aligned with legal thresholds. In practice, a micro-entrepreneur follows the specific table in Article 27:

• Group I: €970.00 (→ €1,050.00 for 2026)
• Group II: €1,115.00 (→ €1,208.00 for 2026)

Entitlement to Increased Pay

Trade workers are entitled to increased pay for overtime, night work, shift work, and work on Sundays or holidays, calculated as a percentage increase on the base salary:

• Difficult Working Conditions: Workers may receive up to an additional 10% for factors such as noise, physical exertion, or microclimatic conditions.

Occasional Rewards & Bonuses

• Annual Rewards: Employers are obligated to pay at least €135.00 total per year (e.g., Christmas bonus, holiday allowance).
• Gift in Kind: At least €55.00 per year.

Working Hours and Rest Periods

• Standard Full-Time: 40 hours per week, distributed over six days (unless the employer decides otherwise).
• Daily Rest: At least 30 minutes per day and 12 hours between shifts.
• Annual Leave: 20 days (for a 5-day work week) or 24 days (for a 6-day work week), plus additional days based on years of service.

Favorable Rights Principle: If an employer’s internal act grants a worker fewer rights than the Collective Agreement, the provision more favorable to the worker (the Collective Agreement) must be applied.

The latest Collective Agreement (amended Feb 3, 2026) ensures minimum standards, employer obligations and employees right in the trade sector, focusing mainly on wage growth and broader application.

Author: Admin