The **Union of Free Trade Unions** in Montenegro is advocating for increased wages across both the public and private sectors. General Secretary **Srđa Keković** expressed this stance in an interview, highlighting that the **Employers’ Union of Montenegro** has agreed to raise the calculation value of the coefficient to **€100 gross**. The call for wage increases is intended to address concerns for workers in all sectors, emphasizing that both public and private employees should receive equitable treatment.
Yesterday, a working group from the relevant ministry met to discuss amendments to the **General Collective Agreement**. Keković noted that while discussions had begun, the meeting was temporarily halted for further consultations. He stated, “We expect the arguments we presented to be accepted by decision-makers. We believe it is high time for this to happen.”
**Naida Nišić**, the Minister of Labor, Employment, and Social Dialogue, expressed surprise at the union’s proposal to target only public administration for a **10% wage increase**, excluding the private sector. She indicated that while she would not initially approve this approach, she remains open to discussions about potential solutions. Nišić emphasized the need for analyses to be conducted, anticipating that a compromise could be reached.
Keković clarified that the union is not solely focused on public sector wages but is advocating for broader improvements that include the private sector. He acknowledged the Employers’ Union for recognizing the necessity to maintain living standards, stating, “We are grateful to the Employers’ Union of Montenegro for understanding the need to preserve standards, as we are losing people, especially young individuals.”
The issue of wage increases has become urgent. Keković explained that the government is obligated to provide a draft of the budget law to the **Social Council**. He noted that the union has repeatedly requested this document, which remains unreceived. Without it, the union has struggled to present its case to the Prime Minister regarding the increased cost of living due to inflation. He emphasized that without a raise in the calculation value, the achievements of the “Evropa sad” initiative could be compromised.
Keković further highlighted that the **World Bank** has conditioned the government to halt budget growth, limiting potential wage increases. He reiterated that the budget contains funds that could facilitate salary hikes, estimating that **€90 million** is needed to raise public sector salaries adequately. He pointed out that there are multiple areas within the budget where savings could be redirected to support this initiative.
“We have the Employers’ Union’s agreement that it is time to raise the calculation value of the coefficient to €100 gross. We have equally targeted both the private and public sectors,” Keković stated. He asserted, “There is money available,” and stressed that it is critical to boost the calculation value to encourage individuals to remain in the country.
Keković criticized the government’s lack of engagement in social dialogue, condemning the necessity to communicate through media outlets. He urged the government and Montenegrin public to recognize the importance of these discussions, stating, “The absence of social dialogue, which this government swears by, is evident.”
He also lamented that the government has not met with representative unions to discuss wage increases or budget considerations for the upcoming year. In response to their requests, the Prime Minister’s office indicated that it was not within the Prime Minister’s purview to discuss public sector salary increases.
“This is nonsensical. We must fight and we have valid arguments. We believe they are justified and we will insist on them,” Keković asserted.
Last week, the Union of Free Trade Unions organized a press conference to address the lack of response from the government regarding their initiatives. They conducted an analysis of the budget, concluding that public sector wages could be increased by **10%**, which would require an allocation of **€90 million**. They warned that if no compromise is reached, they may resort to more public demonstrations to communicate with the Prime Minister.
