Workers and union activists in North Macedonia have escalated protests demanding a significant increase in the national minimum wage, intensifying pressure on lawmakers and the government. Demonstrations this week have included road blockades, direct actions targeting parliamentary access, and renewed legislative efforts by opposition lawmakers – highlighting growing frustration over stagnant wage policy and political responses.
Union Blocks MPs’ Travel Expenses to Protest Pay Inequality
On Tuesday morning, members of the Federation of Trade Unions of Macedonia (SSM) physically blocked the entrances to the Parliament building in Skopje to prevent deputies from accessing their cars and claiming travel expenses — which the union criticized as excessive. The action was intended to spotlight the contrast between MPs’ allowances and workers’ demands for higher wages. Protesters called for the minimum wage to be raised immediately to €600 and for all other wages to increase by at least 6,000 denars.
Parliamentary Proposal for Higher Minimum Wage Resubmitted
The Social Democratic Union of Macedonia (SDSM) parliamentary group resubmitted a draft law to raise the minimum wage after it was previously returned by the Speaker of the Assembly due to technical deficiencies. SDSM lawmakers expressed full support for the unions’ call for a €600 minimum wage and suggested redirecting budget funds—including travel and representation expenses—to finance the increase.
Protests Highlight Broader Blockade Plans
The Federation of Trade Unions had earlier announced a planned blockade in front of the Assembly of the Republic of North Macedonia as part of broader protest actions. The union’s stated goal was to disrupt regular parliamentary business and underscore longstanding silence from MPs regarding wage proposals, particularly the push for the €600 minimum wage.
Government Accused of Political Motives in Wage Dispute
While the government says it has fulfilled its obligations and proposed phased wage increases, opposition figures and union leaders describe the protest movement as a response to political inaction on workers’ demands. The dispute comes amid criticism that lawmakers prioritize their own compensation over addressing low wages for ordinary workers.
