Skopje, 25 August 2025 (MIA) -- One-third of the workforce -- 33.1% or 169,082 workers -- received pay lower than 30,000 denars (487 EUR) in May, the Federation of Trade Unions of Macedonia said.

The trade unionists also said 73.3% of workers received less than the national average salary in May, which was 45,796 denars (744 EUR) according to State Statistical Office data.

According to the unionists' so-called "minimal consumer basket," an estimate of the average household's minimum monthly expenses, two people earning minimum wage cannot cover the basic living costs of an average family.

"By refusing to raise the minimum wage, the government, the business owners and Parliament are endangering 169,082 workers and their families that cannot cover their basic costs of living even on two paychecks," the federation said.

The unions' July estimate was that families needed 65,328 denars (10,062 EUR) to cover monthly essentials.

The country's minimum monthly salary is around 24,400 denars (397 EUR). 

"People who are doing well in Macedonia on above-average incomes (office holders, politicians, business owners and pundits) are against increasing the minimum wage," the unionists said.

They are requesting the minimum monthly salary be raised to 500 EUR -- or 30,770 denars -- and all other salaries be increased by 6,000 denars due to the rising costs of living.

According to the government, the Economic and Social Council should convene a session to discuss the minimum wage increase.

"A solution will be found through constructive dialogue, which we as a government will respect," Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said. mr/