Skopje, 18 December 2021 (MIA) – The Federation of Trade Unions of Macedonia (SSM) said Saturday that after the mass workers’ protest it has submitted a motion to the Labor Ministry and the coordinators of parliamentary groups regarding the adoption of the bill on minimum wage, proposing that the minimum wage should amount to 18,000 denars (close to 300 euros) as of January 2022. “We propose that workers’ wages should be aligned with the rise in minimum wage according to the amendments proposed to the Law on Minimum Wage, in line with the law and the collective agreement, ensuring that other workers’ pays will rise spirally,” said the SSM. After minimum wage was introduced, it added, the companies and the state haven’t been affected in any way, there were no layoffs or pay cuts. “It has only led to increased productivity because the workers are motivated more.” According to the organization of trade unions, minimum wage prevents people living in poverty after being paid very little. “If there are no results, the SSM will organize a general strike,” it concluded.