Skopje, 16 February 2024 (MIA) - The Federation of Trade Unions of North Macedonia (SSM) said it has received support over the union building from the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC). 

In a solidarity letter to SSM leader Slobodan Trendafilov, ITUC General Secretary Luc Triangle on behalf of the Confederation expresses deepest concerns regarding the Supreme Court's decision to transfer the union's property to the State. 

The letter points out that according to the International Labour Organization (ILO) Committee on Freedom of Association (CFA), the right to adequate protection of trade union property is one of those civil liberties which are essential for the normal exercise of trade union rights.

Therefore, it notes, in line with the ILO Conventions 87 (Freedom of Association and Protection of Right to Organize) and 98 (Right to Organize and Collective Bargaining), as well as the obligations of the country under the constitution of the ILO, forceful takeover of the union's property should be immediately prevented. 

"In this regard, we will not hesitate to support any formal procedure that SSM would consider appropriate to initiate - within the ILO or other international bodies," the ITUC General Secretary points out in the letter.

The ITUC represents 191 million workers in 169 countries and territories and has 340 national affiliates.

The Supreme Court of the Republic of North Macedonia announced that on November 9, 2023, it ruled in favour of the Republic of North Macedonia, the plaintiff in a case launched against the Federation of Trade Unions of North Macedonia (SSM), as the defendant, regarding ownership of the union building. With the announcement, the Court confirmed that it has ruled to seize the building which houses the headquarters of SSM

SSM brought a claim to the Judicial Council seeking responsibility of Supreme Court judges Shpend Devaja, Nakje Georgiev and Isamedin Limani, who ruled to seize the union building. 

Photo: MIA archive