The Federation of Trade Unions of Macedonia (SSM) called Friday all workers, trade unions and NGOs to join a protest on May 1 – Labour Day, demanding Mden 2,806 (EUR 46) linear increase in wages, reports news agency MIA.
SSM president Darko Dimovski told Friday’s press conference the union’s analysis shows that inflation increased by 8.8 percent last month, adding that if wages are not increased sooner, inflation will “cramp down” the increase.
“That’s why we demand a salary increase of Mden 2,806 as soon as possible, because we see that inflation is getting higher by the month and if we don’t get this money sooner, their value could be lower even as of next month,” Dimovski said.
He added that SSM’s intention is to help the workers with the lowest wages.
“SSM will not be celebrating on May 1 this year, but stage a protest. We need money to celebrate, and our money was cramped by inflation. That’s why we call on all workers, retirees and the youth that we take to the streets together and tell employers, be they from the private or the public sectors, that we need wage increase as soon as possible,” said Dimovski.
As regards developments with the teachers’ strike and discontent among some union members, Dimovski voiced support for the teachers and called on them if they wish to see together with SSM on what grounds has the strike been suspended.
