Collective Bargaining, Transparency & Corruption, Central government, North Macedonia
Union expresses concern about application of collective agreement
Last month, the leadership of the UPOZ trade union representing administration, judicial system and civil society organizations met with the minister for labour for the first time. Top of the agenda was the branch collective agreement with the union expressing concerns about its application and in particular a clause about the payment of a holiday allowance. However, the union also raised other issues in relation to the agreement and social dialogue, including its right to be consulted over the state budget. EPSU has written to the prime minister expressing support for UPOZ and calling on him
Major breakthrough with first collective agreement in 25 years
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.
EPSU position on the EU’s Western Balkans Strategy: strengthen collective bargaining, build independent high quality public administrations and institutions and invest in public services
The Western Balkan strategy of the European Commission is a significant step in providing positive prospects for the workers and people of these countries