Numbers are more objective anyway. Having a look at the way the Belarusian government calculates the minimum living wage, I couldn’t believe they actually have Belarusians – along with themselves! – in mind.
The minimum living wage has been raised to 243 000 Belarusian roubles (about 64 Euros: roughly 3 8000 BYR = 1 EUR). Monthly we are supposed to have at least 5 100 (1,3 EUR) for medications and hygiene products and 40 000 BYR (10,5 EUR) for clothes. No trousers, one warm dress and one skirt for 5 years…
|
article |
number |
service (years) |
|
outerwear |
||
|
winter coat |
1 |
8 |
|
in-between-season coat |
1 |
7 |
|
raincoat |
1 |
7 |
|
dress (half wool) |
1 |
5 |
|
dress (cotton) |
2 |
5 |
|
dressing-gown |
1 |
5 |
|
skirt |
1 |
5 |
|
blouse |
2 |
5 |
|
pullover |
1 |
5 |
|
tracksuit |
1 |
5 |
|
underwear |
||
|
night gown |
2 |
3 |
|
undergarment |
2 |
4 |
|
panties |
6 |
2 |
|
bra |
2 |
2 |
|
tights |
7 pairs |
1 |
|
headgear |
||
|
cap (fur) |
1 |
8 |
|
cap (cotton) |
1 |
4 |
|
scarf (wool) |
1 |
6 |
|
mittens |
2 pairs |
3 |
|
shoes |
||
|
boots (winter) |
1 |
5 |
|
boots (autumn) |
1 |
4 |
|
shoes |
1 |
1,5 |
|
sandals |
1 |
1,5 |
#1 by Lisa on May 21, 2009 - 6:17 pm
Very mathematical. I assume that this is just a means of working out how much the minimum living wage should be; not some sort of checklist for everybody?
I must admit I rarely throw away any clothes (a habit adopted when we were v poor growing up) I just mend them, cannibalise them, or pass them on.
#2 by Maryna Rakhlei on May 22, 2009 - 2:17 pm
Minimum is the core word here. But the charter is impressive nevertheless…
#3 by Ala on June 15, 2009 - 3:57 am
That’s ridiculous! I can’t believe that it’s official information. I can only imagine what winter boots will look after 5 slushy Belarusian winters… May be if only they are made of stainless steel.
Maryna, thanks for the article. Very thought-provoking
#4 by Yasmara on August 18, 2009 - 9:46 pm
What is this? I don’t believe it