Skopje, 12 May 2023 (MIA) – With a press release and messages to high school students and the Minister of Education, the State Examination Center union announced the suspension of their strike on Friday.

“The forceful measures and pressure from Minister Shaqiri to try to include outsiders in the high school graduation exam process, which is a process with a high degree of confidentiality, will lead to questions over the legitimacy of the examination and the results of the graduation exam. The State Examination Center employees, as experts in the field and individuals with integrity and social responsibility, have decided to postpone the fight for their right to a dignified life on behalf of your future. With this press release, we suspend our strike,” said the union in its message to the high school students that will take the graduation exam.

In their message to Minister of Education and Science Jeton Shaqiri, the union said that his efforts to hold the graduation exam without the involvement of State Examination Center employees would have harmed the students.

The State Examination Center union launched its strike on April 25, demanding higher wages for the 29 employees and respect for their Collective Agreement. The union halted all processes that the Center is in charge of, including the high school graduation exam, which should be held on May 27.