Skopje, 7 July 2022 (MIA) – The minimal monthly expenses of a single four-member family in June added up to 39,710 denars. This is a 3,399 denar or 9,49% increase compared to January. The Federation of Trade Unions of Macedonia (SSM), which on a monthly basis calculates the consumer basket, said that the minimal consumer basket has increased by 5,498 denars or 16% in a single year. “The rising prices and the inflation which is higher each month, and in June amounted to 14.5%, affect the decrease in workers’ purchasing power, leading to impoverishment of the entire population,” said SSM. According to SSM’s analysis, the minimal consumer basket is rising because of surging prices. The biggest increase in June concerns food and beverages. “SSM demands that this calculation of the minimal consumer basket, as well the rising living costs, be a reason for the General Collective Agreement for the Public Sector to be finally agreed by increasing the workers’ wages in accordance with the minimal wage rise, and for them to be increased by at least 2,806 denars after taxation, for every public sector employee.” SSM said. ad/ba/