Gov't approves law proposal to raise minimum wage

The government has approved a law proposal that calls for the increase of the minimum wage, which was submitted by Industry, Trade and Labor Minister Shalom Simhon. The decision turns the proposal into a government bill, which will be submitted for the Knesset's approval.

If passed, the bill would raise the minimum wage in two increments, the first in July 2011 and the second in October 2012. The final minimum wage would stand at NIS 23.12 an hour, and NIS 4,300 a month for full time positions. (Ynet)