Skopje, 20 December 2021 (MIA) – The Parliament passed Monday amendments to the law on labor relations that define Sunday as a rest day. The changes are to enter into force on January 1, 2022. The law specifies that those working in essential industries will get a 50-percent higher wage and a day off when working on Sunday, while those in non-essential industries will receive a 100-percent higher wage and a day off. Minister of Labor and Social Policy Jagoda Shahpaska said the changes aim to establish a balance between the professional and private life of workers, with 92 percent of them having a chance to spend time with family and friends, which would lead to increased satisfaction and motivation, resulting in rising productivity in businesses and public institutions. The opposition did not vote for the changes, saying their amendments were not taken into consideration. Employers breaking the law will face 15-day closures and misdemeanor charges. If the violation is repeated within a year, the business will be closed for 30 days but the employer will be obliged to pay full salaries to employees. MPs also adopted a decision on deploying Army members in international EU mission “Althea” in Bosnia-Herzegovina.