Pay settlements, Central government, North Macedonia

In contrast to the continuing challenge to get the central government to award a general pay rise to public service workers and sign a collective agreement, the SSM confederation reports that unions are having considerable success at local level. The UPOZ and SUTKOZ trade unions are negotiating collective agreements with municipalities and local utilities companies, securing the targeted pay increase of 2806 denari (€45) and even setting up new trade union organisations. Recent deals have been negotiated in Stip, Prilep and Struga.

The UPOZ state administration and justice union is celebrating the signing of the first new collective agreement covering its members for 25 years. The agreement covers staff in administration and justice and related agencies and includes detailed provisions on pay and conditions that deliver improved rights for workers over and above legal rights and the general public sector agreement. It has 10 sections that cover a broad range of rules including on working time, sick pay, annual leave and other special leave arrangements, travel allowances and rules on the role of the trade union.