Skopje, 23 April 2025 (MIA) - The Federation of Trade Unions of Macedonia (SSM) called Wednesday for a protest on May 1-International Workers' Day for higher wages and better working conditions, urging all union members, workers, citizens, veterans and human rights' activists to take part.

"All those who mean the worker well are welcome to join the protest, at which we will voice our dissatisfaction from the miserable wages in Macedonia, salaries that are not increased in line with collective agreements, whereas the Government and employers refuse to increase the minimum wage to EUR 500 and all other salaries by at least EUR 100," said SSM president Slobodan Trendafilov.

He added that the lack of decent working conditions and decent wages are the main reasons for the May 1 protest and not march.

"This isn't a time for celebration, we will come out and protest as is the case in all other EU member-states, expressing the workers' dissatisfaction. There are many reasons For and none Against staging a protest on May 1. This isn't a time for barbecue and beer. Workers in many private companies and public institutions have not even received their March salaries. The more we show up, the more we will get, because the Government and the employers are counting us. The strength of the workers is not only in SSM but in all supporters of the workers' movement. Therefore, I send this appeal, let's show together that the minimum wage in Macedonia is miserable, the lowest in the region," said Trendafilov.

On the statement of Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski that the Government would accept any agreement between the unions and employers on the minimum wage, Trendafilov said the executive has told employers over the past couple of months they should not sit down with the unions and vehemently attack us, noting "the Government is the largest employer in Macedonia and it should increase the wages, as already seen in Serbia and Montenegro".

According to him, no one has thus far rejected SSM's proposal for exemption of employers from the payment of contributions for the EUR 100 increase of the minimum wage.

"From what I am hearing, the employers are on the same line with the unions but the fear that has been generated over the past two months plays a role in them seating down for talks," said Trendafilov.

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