Skopje, 13 December 2023 (MIA) - A new collective agreement aimed at improving the rights of personnel in defence and the Army is set to be signed by the end of the year, as agreed upon in Wednesday’s meeting between the Minister of Defence, Slavjanka Petrovska, and representatives of the Independent Defence Union.

According to the Ministry of Defence, this marks the ongoing success of the minister's collaboration with defence unions. This collaboration has already led to amendments in the Law on Army Service, introducing higher salaries, increased monthly incomes with the provision of housing allowances, the introduction of severance pay for professional soldiers aged 45 and above, and improved retirement conditions.

The Defence Minister's cooperation with the unions has continued at an unwavering pace, leading to drafting of a new Law for employees in defence. This law introduces a range of benefits for administrative staff and all categories of employees in the Ministry of Defence, reads the press release.

The Independent Defence Union president Vancho Isajov welcomed the process of adopting the Law for employees in defence, which is currently in parliamentary procedure.

Representatives of the Independent Defence Union expressed their appreciation to Minister Petrovska for the successful cooperation and her support in advancing the conditions of employees in defence and the Army.

Photo: Ministry of Defence