Skopje, 17 January 2025 (MIA) - The leader of the Trade Union of Administration, Judiciary and Citizens' Associations (UPOZ), Trpe Deanoski, stated during Friday’s protest outside the Ministry of Finance that further protests, strikes and lawsuits cannot be ruled out if an agreement with the government is not reached.

He noted that employees have demonstrated their determination in recent days by protesting in freezing temperatures to assert their rights. Deanoski added that while the government has issued declarative statements inviting them to talks through the media, while failing to extend any formal invitation to continue the dialogue.

"Since dialogue cannot be conducted through statements and the media, the UPOZ has formally submitted a request today for a meeting with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Macedonia. We are calling for the resumption of dialogue, which was unilaterally interrupted by the Ministry of Finance through their rejection of the proposed collective agreements regarding supplemental pay for the employees who are here with us,” he said.

Deanoski said that the employees expect the government to show understanding and accept UPOZ’s offer to find a solution to their demands.

“If not, we will have no choice but to resume protests and use all legal means to voice workers’ dissatisfaction until their demands are fulfilled,” he stressed.

Zoran Georgievski, a union member and employee at the Ministry of Justice, added that they deserve decent living conditions, which, he noted, cannot be achieved with salaries that fail to keep pace with the rising cost of living.

“We are demanding a salary increase of at least 30%, which is the minimum that can be done to enable workers to maintain their dignity and provide for the basic needs of their families,” Georgievski noted.

He also added that they do not accept discrimination and will continue to fight for a fair salary increase for everyone.

Photo and video: MIA