Employees of Hungarian railway company MÁV will see their incomes increase by up to 13% in 2026, after the company, trade unions, and the Hungarian state agreed on additional increases to the initial wage agreement.
According to the decision announced in Budapest on January 19, in the last year of the three-year wage agreement, base salaries will increase in two stages.
In January and February 2026, the initially planned increase of 4.7% will apply, followed by a further increase of 4.7% in March. As a result, the base salary of MÁV employees will be 9.6% higher than the current level.
Benefits extended beyond base salary
In addition to the salary increase, the agreement includes a significant expansion of non-salary benefits. The annual contribution to the SZÉP card (non-wage benefits card) will increase from 120,000 forints (312 EUR) to 400,000 forints (1,040 EUR), which will be included in the collective labor agreement. Payment will be made in two equal installments: 200,000 forints in March (520 EUR) and 200,000 forints in July 2026.
In addition, the employer’s contribution to health funds will be increased from 4,000 forints net per month (10 EUR) to 7,000 forints net (18 EUR), starting on January 1, 2026. The loyalty bonus remains unchanged at 350,000 forints (910 EUR) and will also be paid this year in December.
Direct involvement of the state
The agreement was concluded between employee representatives, the management of the MÁV group, and the Ministry of Construction and Transport, which exercises the rights of the Hungarian state as owner.
According to the parties, the agreed salary package would ensure the maintenance and increase of the purchasing power of employees in an economic context marked by inflationary pressures.
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