Skopje, 15 January 2025 (MIA) – Seventy percent of employees at the Ministry earn below the average monthly salary in North Macedonia, and their salaries are 30 percent lower than those of workers in the same positions at other state institutions who received salary additions, said Branko Kostovski, president of the Union Organization at the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Trade Union of Administration, Judiciary and Citizens' Associations (UPOZ), during a protest in front of the Ministry of Culture on Wednesday.

He added that the protest shows dissatisfaction with the low wages of Ministry employees. He explained that the Union Organization had drafted a collective agreement over two years ago, proposing a 30 percent salary increase similar to those granted in other state institutions, including the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Defence, Government’s Service for General and Common Affairs, Public Revenue Office, Customs Administration, St. Cyril and Methodius University.

"We welcome the pay rises for our colleagues in other state institutions, but we also demand that the Minister of Finance, the Government, and the Prime Minister do not allow unequal treatment of employees in state institutions. Our colleagues' responsibility is substantial everywhere, but it’s worth noting that the Ministry of Culture and Tourism supports the operations of 72 national and 49 local cultural institutions. Additionally, the Ministry processes an average of around 5,000 applications annually, half of which result in obligations such as contract signing and monitoring," Kostovski said.

He emphasized that they bear significant responsibility and are calling for a serious approach to their demands.

"The state administration should never be undermined or treated disrespectfully. Instead, its work should be recognized and valued. We advocate for a responsible, effective, and high-quality state administration that will serve the citizens and lead the forthcoming reforms," added Kostovski.

Protests, according to UPOZ Union President Trpe Deanoski, will continue every day from 11:00 to 11:30 am, and a protest will be held in front of the Ministry of Finance on Friday from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Photo and video: MIA