Skopje, 27 April 2024 (MIA) - The SSM Federation of Trade Unions of Macedonia is organizing the International Workers' Day protest rally on May 1.

SSM leader Slobodan Trendafilov, in an open letter to the public, highlights that the labor movement in Macedonia is facing a significant challenge due to what he describes as the attitude of policymakers who have shown concern solely for themselves and their interests, neglecting the workers, workers' rights, and workers' interests.

“Today, workers in Macedonia are under greater pressure for their existence due to high living costs and low wages. The unions have demonstrated their ability to work hard in the interests of their members and workers. They have shown that each individual can achieve results, but we have the opportunity to show unity and determination in the workers' struggle, as your and our members expect, and as workers expect from us," he said in the letter, urging the membership to protest.

Trendafilov noted that on May 1, workers have the opportunity to show that they are dissatisfied, and that all those who claim to lead the country should hear the voice of the workers.

“We have the opportunity to show our worker dissatisfaction and to come together for a major workers' protest on May 1, especially given the chance to convey our messages, our demands, and the workers' demands a few days before the parliamentary elections to all those who aspire to lead the country. As the President of the SSM Federation of Trade Unions of Macedonia, I urge you to show determination in the fight, a fight that is collective, for a better tomorrow and for better workers' rights,” Trendafilov noted.

He expects members of other unions and citizens to join the SSM protest.

On May 1, the protest will begin at 11 am in front of the workers union premises, to the Parliament, the Economic Chamber and will end before the government building.