Skopje, 22 July 2024 (MIA) - The Union of workers in administration, judiciary and civic associations (UPOZ) has responded to the Government conclusion that requires budget beneficiaries to consider approved funds when concluding collective agreements, while public enterprises and state-owned shareholders association to ask for an opinion from the Ministry of Finance.

"Someone is again attempting to limit negotiations and signing of collective agreements! As if past lessons have not been learned. Is the suspension of collective agreements on the horizon? As per the Government conclusion, the Finance Minister will again decide who can and who cannot conclude a collective agreement. Is this the way to build social dialogue?," UPOZ wrote in a Facebook post.

Last week, the Government adopted the Budget revision, including several conclusions, according to which Budget beneficiaries are required to take into account the approved Budget funds and not to undertake obligations regarding which they have not secured funds in the Budget for the current year and the determined maximum amounts of expenditures in the medium term when concluding collective agreements.

Public enterprises and state-owned joint-stock companies should request an opinion from the Ministry of Finance when concluding collective agreements. During the implementation of the Budget, the budget users should not undertake obligations beyond the funds provided by the Budget for the corresponding fiscal year.

Earlier today, Health Minister Arben Taravari said it would not be possible to give pay raises to healthcare workers and to sign a new collective agreement as requested by the trade unions by the end of the year.

MIA file photo