Skopje, 30 July 2025 (MIA) - The Economic-Social Council (ESC) session will focus on its programme and the consumer baskets, with the Federation of Trade Unions of Macedonia (SSM) expressing regret that the wage increase is not on the agenda.

"The Government can decide together with SSM over the rise of the minimum wage to EUR 500, leading to an alignment of other salaries according to the Law on Minimum Wage. What is concerning is that after the elections are scheduled, there will be no room for a wage increase, signing of collective agreements or social dialogue, meaning that workers will be left with nothing," said SSM president Slobodan Trendafilov before the session.

He added that if the wage increase is not on the agenda, then the ESC session is doomed to fail.

The Confederation of Free Trade Unions (KSS) said they want to see higher wages but without causing other problems.

"There is no worker or union who does not want a higher wage. We are here to discuss everything that is based on facts and arguments and we will undoubtedly give our support. However, we should be careful not to cause any inflation shocks, which would eat up the increase," said KSS president Blagoja Ralpovski.

The Organization of Employers of Macedonia (ORM) urged for caution, considering the eurozone growth forecast and the U.S. tariffs imposed on the EU.

"We should be cautious because productivity has dropped, small and medium enterprises will not be able to sustain the minimum wage growth and reward productive workers at the same time. One should also consider the projected eurozone growth of one percent and the pending U.S. tariffs imposed on the EU, which will have a direct or indirect impact on our economy," said ORM president Vladanka Trajkoska.

MIA file photo