The Social Democratic Union of Macedonia (SDSM) has strongly criticized the current government, accusing it of disregarding the Collective Agreement and infringing upon the rights of cultural workers. According to SDSM spokesperson Bogdanka Kuzeska, recent actions demonstrate a complete trampling of these rights.

Kuzeska highlighted a statement made by Minister Ljutkov, who allegedly called the Collective Agreement for Culture “illegal,” which SDSM views as a direct assault on the dignity and rights of all cultural workers in the country.

The Collective Agreement, according to SDSM, is a crucial necessity for workers, representing a legal obligation stemming from past efforts, dialogue, and fair policies implemented by SDSM when in power. During that time, the party claims to have increased salaries in the cultural sector and ensured their regular payment with respect for employee rights.

SDSM further asserts that cultural workers have not received their March salaries, leaving them unpaid during the holidays. The party alleges that no one has taken responsibility for this situation.

Kuzeska attributes these issues to incompetence, wasteful spending, and the overall failure of the Minister of Culture and the VMRO-DPMNE government.

SDSM raises concerns that the alleged attack on the Collective Agreement may foreshadow further reductions in the rights of employees in the cultural sector, potentially along party lines.

The party is demanding the immediate and full payment of March salaries, increased in accordance with the Collective Agreement for cultural workers, and its complete respect. SDSM insists that incompetence is not an acceptable excuse for the current situation.