The government plans to reduce unemployment and regulate the labor shortage during the tourist season by introducing the category of permanent seasonal worker. This would keep the employees on their jobs even outside the tourist season, they would receive a salary and payment of contributions even when they are not working, while the employers would get a permanent workforce, even for parts of the year with a smaller volume of work.
Although they did not reveal the details, the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare told "Vijesti" that they are working on the draft law on permanent seasonality, in order to employ the domestic workforce more efficiently, regulate the legal framework and include all institutions. That is why they formed a working group for the preparation of this document, which, in addition to the Government, also includes representatives of social partners (unions and employers).
From the department he manages Naida Nišić added that due to more efficient work, implementation and expert support during the preparation of the Draft, they also secured the support of the German Organization for International Cooperation (GIZ). The need for this regulation is, as they stated, that Montenegro is a tourist destination that has great benefits from this work.
"That is why we want to achieve more efficient employment of domestic labor for the period of performing seasonal work, regulation of the legislative framework to enable flexibility in this area, as well as the active participation of all relevant institutions in the implementation of this activity. Considering the fact that the work on the Draft Law on Permanent Season is only in its initial phase and that the first meeting of the working group was held on June 14, it is not possible at this moment to give detailed answers and clarifications regarding the provisions that will be found in the Draft." , said the Ministry of Labor and pointed out that the public will be able to participate in the public debate, which will be organized after the working group prepares the draft.
The Croats have already introduced the measure
Neighboring Croatia is not immune to labor shortage problems in the summer either, but that country introduced the permanent season category a few years ago. The program is implemented by the Croatian Employment Service, according to whose website, those who have worked continuously for at least six, but not longer than nine months with the same employer and who will work for him for at least another six months are entitled to this measure. Through these measures, the employer receives 100 percent of the cost of extended pension insurance in the first three months, and later 50 percent, and that for a maximum of three months.
"Financial assistance to the worker is paid for a maximum of six months of extended pension insurance in the amount determined on the basis of the calculation of monetary compensation during unemployment (financial assistance for the first 90 days of use is 60 percent, and for the remaining time of use 30 percent of the established base, and a maximum of 70 percent, and for the remaining time of use 35 percent of the amount of the average net salary paid per employee in Croatia in the previous year. by regulation", it says on the website.
More than 2023 permanent seasonal residents were registered in Croatia in 5.000, while there were 2.340 in the first three months of this year.
The Chamber of Commerce told "Vijesta" that the passing of the Law on permanent seasonality will be an important part of the reforms, which is why they proposed it to the authorities, especially because domestic tourism is still very seasonal and some potential workers are discouraged, because they will not have income during the whole year.
"In this way, the unemployed would be motivated to retrain and have secure permanent seasonal employment and income throughout the year in accordance with the positive experiences of EU countries. The system provides financial support to seasonal workers in the period when they are not working, and in order to ensure the necessary workforce for employers from all industries, who during the year have periods of reduced workload due to the seasonal type of business. These are persons who have continuously worked for at least six months with the same employer and who will work with the same employer for at least one more season (minimum six months)", the Chamber of Commerce pointed out.
Market analyzes have shown, as they say, that simplifying the procedure for registering workers would be a great incentive for the economy and citizens to promptly complete their obligations to the state. They believe that this is especially important when hiring seasonal employees, as a part of the labor market that is much more dynamic than hiring permanent employees. That is why, as they state, it is necessary to implement measures and simplify registration. They point out that employers in continuity have a problem of qualified labor force, that the criteria for future workers in this sector are also growing, and that it is necessary to work in sync on the training of as many domestic workers as possible.
Adopt the law on student affairs
"The Ministry of Labor started amending the Labor Law, and the Chamber of Commerce sent comments and proposals through the prescribed form. It is necessary to pass the Law on Student Affairs, which would enable more flexible engagement of the domestic workforce and students as a special category. It is necessary to approach the drafting of a new strategy for the development of human resources in the tourism sector, and all this should be accompanied by centers for specialist education of personnel of all profiles", they stated as some of the necessary steps.
They added that they are working with the Ministry of Tourism on the project "Increasing opportunities for employment of seasonal workers in Southeastern Europe", financed by GIZ, through which a reform model was proposed to adapt the legal framework for more flexible employment of seasonal workers, and the development of an online portal that will allow registration and deregistration. seasons in one place. They expect that institutions and applicants will communicate through it, which will improve the efficiency of the employment system of seasonal workers, increase their number and income from taxes and contributions.
"A comparative analysis of seasonal employment in Croatia and Montenegro was made, which showed that by applying certain models implemented by Croatia, in Montenegro, the process can be accelerated by digitizing the system (linking registers and automatic data exchange). By introducing an electronic procedure for submitting an application for a residence and work permit, the need for a foreign worker to physically reside in Montenegro before the permit is issued is avoided. The analysis shows how the basic limitations in the procedure related to the employment of foreign workers can be improved by applying the solution implemented by Croatia", said the Chamber of Commerce.
Increase practice and cooperation
The Chamber of Commerce also believes that it is necessary to arrange the business environment so that employers have an additional interest in hiring local workers, make it more attractive systemically and promote seasonal work more.
"Proposals for the long-term improvement of human resources refer to the improvement of educational programs through the increase of practical classes and the dual system of education, better cooperation of employers (hoteliers and restaurateurs) in the process of preparing staff, stimulating the employment of domestic labor, promoting tourist occupations, as well as providing scholarships to students for these occupations", stated the Chamber of Commerce.
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