Skopje, 25 April 2025 (MIA) – Ivan Peshevski, vice president of the Federation of Trade Unions of Macedonia (SSM) in charge of the private sector, called on authorities to improve workers’ rights in the private sector all the while urging workers to join this year’s May Day protest. Higher wages, safe working conditions and honouring of legal rights are some of the key demands of the union.

The private sector in Macedonia is the main driving force of the economic situation in the country, he said Friday.

“The private sector needs improving with qualified workers and young people. In order these two things to be met, dignified and safe working conditions as well as well-paid jobs need to be secured,” Peshevski told a news conference demanding that minimum wage in the private sector should be at least 500 euros. 

He called on employers in the private sector to raise the salaries after warning that there is a shortage of qualified workers in the country. “The shortage will only increase if you don’t raise the salaries. With all due respect to some employers in the private sector that abide by the law and the collective agreement, these issues have been overcome a long time ago, however this is only a small percentage of the total number of workers,” he added. 

SSM has been actively working on providing legal protection of workers, Peshevski mentioned adding that over 12,000 workers received free legal aid and protection in 2024.

SSM and its members recently have been under attack, he said. “While SSM’s request about the number of members nationwide is being reviewed, it has been reported that union members have been attacked and pressured to cancel their membership and join another trade union that doesn’t call for pay raises, which is why we believe it is favoured by the government,” Peshevski stated.

SSM will hold the May Day protest in front of the Parliament of Macedonia at 11 am.

Photo/video: MIA