Skopje, 17 January 2025 (MIA) - A meeting between the Government and the Trade Union of Administration, Judiciary and Citizens' Associations (UPOZ) will take place after Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski returns from his official visit to the United States, the Government told MIA. 

"Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski will receive union representatives immediately upon his return from the official visit to the United States and discuss finding a solution that will benefit workers and fulfil their rights," says the Government in response to MIA. 

The Government notes that its aspiration is to find a solution that will be aimed at raising the standard of workers in accordance with budgetary possibilities.

"It is good that UPOZ leaders accept dialogue instead of restrictive and hasty measures such as a protest without exhausting the possibilities for dialogue and finding final solutions," the Government says.

Workers from several ministries, the State Statistical Office and the State Archive have been holding warning protests for four days demanding the signing of collective agreements and a pay rise of 30 percent. 

During Friday’s protest outside the Ministry of Finance, UPOZ representatives said a request has been formally submitted for a meeting with the Government, noting that further protests, strikes and lawsuits cannot be ruled out if an agreement with the Government is not reached. 

Photo: MIA archive