On Thursday, the Trade Union Federation staged the announced protest blockade outside the Economic Chamber, demanding a minimum wage of 600 euros and a 100-euro increase of the salaries of all other workers. Also, protesters called on the Chamber to put the Government under the obligation to subsidize contributions.
According to the Federation, if the demands are not met with understanding, there will be another protest and a general strike.
However, the same day, PM Mickoski again stated that the protests had a political background, i.e. Federation President Trendafilov was being instructed by opposition parties. His stand that employers and unions should be the ones that will reach a deal on the minimum wage remains unchanged.
On the other hand, SDSM criticized the VMRO-DPMNE-ZNAM “tender coalition” for, as it said, blocking its bill foreseeing a 600-euro minimum wage level and support for companies.