At first President Lukashenko promised that Belarusians will have their average salary of 700 US dollars by the end of 2010, then – 500 dollars, now – about 500. It looks like the last promise will nevertheless be fulfilled. Starting June 1, the government has increased the Category 1 tariff rate for the workers employed in the budget-financed (state) sphere: it couldn't be otherwise – this year is the pre-election one.

From June 1, 2010, the Category 1 tariff rate has been increased from 81 to 90 thousand roubles. The salary growth for state employees is explained by the fact that according to the programme signed by the President "the nominal accrued average monthly salary shall make about 500 US dollars by the end of 2010 in dollar equivalent."

This increase of the tariff rate will enable, under the statement of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, increasing the salaries in the budget-funded sector by 13 percent on the average. The priority growth will be provided to low-paid categories of workers (cleaners, watchmen, medical nurses, etc.). For this purpose, the values of corrective coefficients used at calculating their wages will be increased.

Thus, for example, the workers of Categories 1-7 will have their wages increased by 18 percent on the average, those of Categories 8 and 9 – by 16 and 15 percent, accordingly.

It is just the time to remind here that in April 2008 Alexander Lukashenko set up a task before himself and his government to bring the average monthly salary in Belarus up to 700 US dollars by the end of 2010.

The government had no way out, and since November 1, 2008, the tariff rate was lifted up to 91 thousand roubles. Then, with account of that increase, statements were made about the intention to ensure the growth of the average salary in the budgetary sphere up to an equivalent of 430 US dollars by the end of 2008. By the end of 2009 the average salary of state employees should have been reached 550 US dollars, and by the end of 2010 – 700 US dollars.

However, the tariff rate of 91 thousand roubles had existed for one month only. The crisis gave its effect, and already in early December of 2008, by backdating, it was dropped to 77 thousand. Only one year later, since January 1, 2010, the government could increase it a little – by 4 thousand roubles, that is, by 5 percent.

Then, in the context of approaching holidays, President Lukashenko gave another promise: to bring the average monthly salary during the year up to 500 US dollars.

"This figure is sacred. It was adopted by the All-Belarusian National Assembly five years ago. It is an indicator of the five-year period; and we shall reach it. From here – great and high parameters of the GDP and other directions," said Mr Lukashenko.

Salary increase is a good thing. The main thing that after the elections it should not be eaten away by inflation and devaluation…

So far, Belarusians just dream about the salary of 500 US dollars; while our nearest neighbours have long ago stepped over this threshold. By the outcomes of 2009, the average salary in Poland made 1300 US dollars; in the first quarter of 2010 Russians received 685 US dollars on the average; and in Lithuania the average salary for the same period made 812 US dollars.