Besimi: Close to agreement with unions over wages, few details left to be ironed out

Skopje, 8 July 2023 (MIA) – Minister of Finance Fatmir Besimi told MIA in an interview that based on the atmosphere and intensity of talks with the unions, they are close to an agreement over wages in the public sector.

“I think there is a decent atmosphere, mutual trust and a desire for solution. We just have a few details left to iron out and if we continue at this intensity, it is only a matter of days when we will conclude the issue with the unions in the interest of all citizens,” said Besimi, adding that he is a rational optimist.

The Finance Minister said it is acceptable to introduce a coefficient as a new model, and that it would be linked with the average gross wage in March 2025. Until then, there would be a transition period during which wages would grow. The dynamic of growth, he said, will need to be agreed with the unions.

“The model of coefficients and the link with the average wage will apply to everyone in the public sector,” said Besimi.

After the last meeting between the unions and the Government on Wednesday, the unions came out with optimistic statements that progress has been made and that the positions of both sides are getting closer.

The Finance Minister also voiced satisfaction with the process of negotiations and the nearing of positions.

“What is key, and what I think we’ve managed to achieve during the period of negotiations, is building trust. I think we’ve reached a solid level of trust between the different sides, and a belief that we all strive towards a single, common goal. In this case, the goal is to have an administration that protects its integrity and status, and improves the quality of public services. This is a goal shared by all sides. We were moving towards solutions that could bring us closer to the fulfillment of this goal. I can’t go into details because the negotiations aren’t finished yet, but I can voice the same satisfaction with the process that we’ve managed to bring our positions closer. For me, this is a greater success than the very fact that the process contributes to the strengthening of mutual trust between all sides,” Besimi told MIA.

Negotiations with the unions are set to continue on Monday, and on the basis of the agreement reached, it will be determined whether it would be necessary to rebalance the Budget in September.

For now, according to the Finance Minister, the realization of the Budget is proceeding according to plan. As of June, the realization of incomes is 48.5 percent, and the realization of expenditures is at around 49 percent.

“The good thing is that on the side of expenditures we have a 46 percent realization of capital expenditures, and we’ve never usually had such a high realization in the first half of the year and I think this will also be reflected in the dynamic of growth,” said Besimi. ad/