Skopje, 14 February 2022 (MIA) – The January trade union minimum consumer’s basket is estimated at 35,811 denars (EUR 580), up 770 denars compared to December 2021, says the Federation of Trade Unions of Macedonia (SSM). Food and beverages take up a majority of the minimum consumer’s basket – 42.77%, followed by housing (31.97%), hygiene (6.74%), transport (7.41%), clothes and footwear (6.05%), culture (2.98%), and health maintenance (2.08%). According to SSM, these figures prove that its demand for 18,000-denar minimum wage and gradual increase of other salaries is justified. Recently, SSM, says, central heating and electricity for households increased by 14 percent and 9.4 percent respectively. Trade union minimum consumer’s basket shows minimum costs spent by a four-member household per month.