Skopje, 14 March 2025 (MIA) - The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) came out in support of the efforts of trade unions in the country to achieve a higher minimum wage that will enable workers to live with dignity. ETUC representatives told a press conference on Friday that the trade unions' demands for minimum wage increase are more than justified, noting that the minimum wage in North Macedonia is the lowest in the region.

They added that they will notify the European Commission (EC) of the developments in the country, and it will be included in the country's progress report. 

Tea Jarc, Confederal Secretary of the ETUC, sent a message that being a trade unionist is a democratic right, and neither employers nor the Government should attack unions.

"If social dialogue is not respected, we notify the European Commission, and it will be reflected in the report. The country's progress towards the EU and what funds it will receive to move forward depends on that report. Being a trade unionist is a human right that must be respected, and neither the Government nor the employers can attack trade unions. A country that does not respect those rights should be held accountable. I hope that attacks on trade unions in North Macedonia will stop, social dialogue will be restored and there will be negotiations through which you will agree on what the adequate minimum wage is. We are monitoring the situation and reporting on developments in this country," Jarc pointed out. 

She stressed that social dialogue is a principle of democracy to be respected not only by the EU member states, but also by those aspiring to join the EU.

"We call on all governments to respect the autonomy of social partners, to respect trade unions and include them in all processes. Social dialogue must be respected and there must be no employer or government that attacks trade unions. That is unacceptable and contrary to the laws in your countries and the legal framework of the European Union. As the European Trade Union Confederation, we will stand shoulder to shoulder with trade unions and support them," said Jarc. 

As regards unions holding protests, the ETUC representatives said that it is a legitimate right if social dialogue doesn't work.  

In response to reporters' questions on pressure he has been exposed to over the recent period, Federation of Trade Unions of Macedonia (SSM) leader Slobodan Trendafilov said unions have been exposed to pressure in the past and will be exposed to pressure in the future, but they are here to fight for workers' rights.

In line with the law, the minimum wage should be aligned this month and increase by about Mden 1,800 (EUR 30). SSM demands that the minimum wage be EUR 500, with the difference in contributions of up to Mden 30,000 be subsidized by the Government for a period of one year.

Photo: print screen