Macedonian workers are preparing to protest on May Day instead of celebrating, as the Federation of Trade Unions of Macedonia (SSM) organizes a demonstration against low wages and unmet agreements. The protest is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. in front of the Workers’ House, with union leaders urging widespread participation.

SSM President Slobodan Trendafilov has called on all trade unions, their members, and supporters of workers’ rights to join the May Day protest. He emphasized the importance of unity among workers who depend on their salaries and expressed frustration with the government and employers for not addressing their demands.

Trendafilov highlighted that many workers in the private sector have not received their March salaries, and some public sector institutions are also behind on payments. He criticized the current minimum wage in Macedonia as being the lowest in the region and demanded an increase to 500 euros, along with a 100 euro increase for all other wages.

The SSM president accused the government of deliberately delaying the determination of representativeness for the past five months to avoid holding a session of the Economic and Social Council. This council would be required to address the SSM’s proposal to increase the minimum wage.