Skopje, 14 March 2026 (MIA) - The Federation of Trade Unions of Macedonia (SSM) staged a protest on Saturday, at which president Slobodan Trendafilov criticized the institutions for ignoring the demands for increase of workers' wages.

Trendafilov said institutions "are scared" of the protests, taking decisions that safeguard only officials' wages.

"Majority of lawmakers are against increase of the minimum wage and other salaries by at least Mden 6,000 (EUR 100)," said Trendafilov.

According to him, MPs who did not support the amendments to the Law on the Minimum Wage had only voted in favor of keeping their own income, adding that citizens bankroll elected officials and political parties, which on their part, "hold press conferences against workers".

Construction trade union (SGIP) leader Ivan Peshevski said they demand an increase of the minimum wage to EUR 600 now, not in 2028, while urging for observance of collective agreements.

"If you say that our economy is in the top three or four in Europe, then raise the salaries. If we benefit, you benefit as well," said Peshevski.

Education and science union (NSON) president Tomislav Gievski said they would not back down, noting that workers are ready to protect their rights.

"If workers must respect laws, then institutions have to do the same. Salaries must be paid in line with laws and collective agreements," said Gievski.

The trade unions said protests would continue until demands for a wage increase and improvement of the workers' standard are met.

Photo: MIA