Skopje, 22 December 2025 (MIA) - The Economic-Social Council is set to hold a session on Monday, in the attendance of Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski. The session is expected to tackle the issue of minimum wage, the consumer basket calculation, observance and need to enhance collective agreements in public and private sector, payment of wage allowances and regulations in the field.

Regarding the minimum wage, Government officials have said they would be on board with any solution agreed by the trade unions and employers, whereas the business sector hopes for facilitations in the section of contributions at the expense of the wage increase.

Deputy Minister of Economy and Labor Marjan Risteski said last week that the formula used for the minimum wage increase as per the Law on Minimum Wage would be used until unions and employers reach a consensus.

The Federation of Trade Unions of Macedonia (SSM) has urged for an increase of the minimum wage, considering the rising cost of living, while the Confederation of Free Trade Unions (KSS) expects the Economic-Social Council to discuss matters related to wage allowances in the public sector.

Deputy-Minister Risteski also said the Council would refer to the calculation of the average consumer basket, which the Government is set to implement as of January 1, in parallel to the one used by SSM.

"Besides minimum basket, we will also have an average consumer basket that is to be used for further strategies implemented by the Government and businesses," said Risteski.

The SSM basket in December amounted to Mden 65,492 (EUR 1,064), a Mden 319 (EUR 5.2) increase compared to the previous month.

MIA file photo