The government yesterday officially adopted the amendments to the Law on minimum wage which provides an increase and determines the pace of increase. The process of increasing the minimum wage has a three-year dynamics, and the increase will be implemented from March 2014 to March 2016. At the end of the process, the minimum wage will increase to MKD 10,080, and will improve the living standards of workers.
According to the Minister of Finance Zoran Stavreski, this is a historic success of the tripartite agreement between the government, unions and employers, which became a reality in Macedonia after many years.
- Since March 2014, the minimum wage will increase from the current MKD 8.050 per month, to MKD 8,800. In March 2015, the minimum wage will amount to MKD 9.590, and in March 2016 will be MKD 10,080. Employers will be obliged to increase the minimum wage and will be followed by appropriate controls and we will be firmly committed to implement this law, Stavreski stressed.
The minimum wage in March 2014 in the textile and leather industry will amount to MKD 7,500. In March in 2015 it will be MKD 8.050, while in March 2016 it will reach MKD 9.000. In March 2017, wages in these sectors will amount to MKD 9,590, and in March 2018 it will be MKD 10,080.
- This will contribute to greater motivation and a better life for citizens who are employed in the sectors with minimum wage, but will be held in a way that is sustainable for businesses and employers, which will continue to generate positive economic results, i.e. the economy will go forward, companies can generate profits, and workers will receive higher wages, Stavreski added.