Skopje, 10 October 2024 (MIA) – The Economic and Social Council (ESC) will hold Thursday a session, its first since the formation of the new government.

Earlier this week, Minister of Economy and Labor Besar Durmishi said that at the session, demands, ideas, criticism and proposals, including the demand for raising minimum wage, will be discussed with employers and trade union officials.

“We will make decisions together in a transparent manner. We’ll see the capability of the government while also listening to both the employers and trade unions before making a joint decision,” said Durmishi told a news conference. 

Regarding the trade unions’ demand on increasing the minimum wage to EUR 450 by the end of the first 100 days in office of the government, Durmishi citing the legislation said minimum wage should be raised in March 2025.

On October 1, which marked the government’s first 100 days in office, the Federation of Trade Unions of Macedonia (SSM) and the employers’ organization said they expected a session of the Economic and Social Council to be scheduled soon. Falling short of commenting the first 100 days in office of the new cabinet, SSM said they hoped a session will be convened in which they will be informed on what has been done. The organization of the employers said despite having high expectation, nothing has been done so far. 

MIA file photo