BREAKING: The Union of Free Trade Unions of Montenegro is calling for an urgent salary increase for employees in both the public and private sectors. General Secretary Srđa Keković announced yesterday that the Union of Employers has agreed to raise the calculation value of the coefficient to €100 gross, emphasizing the need for immediate action.
During a meeting yesterday, a working group from the Ministry of Labor began discussions to amend the General Collective Agreement but was interrupted for additional consultations. Keković expressed frustration, stating, “We expect our arguments to be recognized by decision-makers. It is high time for this to happen.”
Naida Nišić, Montenegro’s Minister of Labor, expressed surprise at the union’s proposal to target only the public sector for a salary increase of 10%, indicating she would not support such a measure without including the private sector. However, she remains open to discussions to achieve a compromise.
“It is essential to conduct analyses and work together for a solution,” Nišić stated.
Keković stressed that the union is not solely focused on public sector raises but is advocating for equal treatment across both sectors. He highlighted concerns about young people leaving Montenegro, saying, “We are thankful to the Union of Employers for recognizing the need to maintain standards.”
Currently, the union is pushing for the government to deliver a draft of the budget law, which they have requested multiple times. Keković pointed out that without this crucial document, the union is unable to advocate effectively for wage increases.
“If the calculation value is not increased by January 1, 2024, we risk losing the progress made through the ‘Europe Now’ initiative,” he warned. He reiterated that the World Bank has conditioned the government to halt budget growth, limiting salary increases.
Keković indicated that there are available funds within the budget to support wage increases, estimating that €90 million could be allocated for public sector salaries. He criticized the government for not engaging in social dialogue and communicating through media channels instead.
“The absence of social dialogue is evident,” Keković emphasized. “We must fight for our arguments, and they are valid.”
The Union of Free Trade Unions held a press conference last week, citing a lack of response from the government to their initiatives. They have conducted a budget analysis and maintain that public sector salaries can be increased by 10% with the proposed funds.
If a compromise cannot be reached, Keković warned that the union may resort to public demonstrations to communicate their demands directly to the Prime Minister.
The situation remains fluid as both sides prepare for further discussions. The urgency of addressing wage disparities in the face of rising living costs in Montenegro cannot be overstated, and the outcome of these negotiations will have significant implications for the nation’s workforce.
Stay tuned for updates as this developing story unfolds.
