Total payments for back wages of former workers of the Cetinje factory "Košuta" could cost the state 2.772.000 euros. So far, 712 million euros have been paid to 2,56 bankrupts, while the claims of another 58 are being processed and the merits of the claims are being checked, which would cost an additional 208.800 euros.
Former workers have individually earned the right to payments of 3,6 thousand euros based on six outstanding minimum wages.
This was officially stated to "Vijesti" by the Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Dialogue.
Former employees of this former Cetinje factory actively protested throughout last year, stopping traffic on the Cetinje - Podgorica section and expressing their dissatisfaction in front of the Government building, demanding nine unpaid salaries and the linking of work experience.
"Each worker has been entitled to a total amount of 3.600 euros. Currently, the claims of 58 former employees are being processed, for which the validity of the claims is being determined. If all of them meet the conditions, an additional 208.800 euros will be needed to pay these claims. Namely, these are former employees from all over Montenegro where "Košuta" had plants, whose claims were not submitted in a group of employees represented by a lawyer, but submitted their claims independently. The dynamics of processing and payment of the remaining claims will depend on the established validity of the claims. According to current data, a total of 2.563.200 euros has been allocated to resolve this problem, while another 58 euros will be needed for the remaining 208.800 workers, if they meet the conditions, which will bring the total amount to 2.772.000 euros," said the Ministry headed by Naida Nišić.
They emphasized that they are paying the money with the Labor Fund and the Ministry of Finance, and that they have found a solution to the problem of these workers after almost 30 years. The Ministry stated that in the coming period they will work to complete the payments and provide permanent solutions for those whose claims have not yet been settled, and that an interdepartmental working group has been formed for these purposes, whose priority is the payments of former workers.
In the Fashion Footwear Industry "Košuta", bankruptcy proceedings were opened in 1996 and ended in 2001, with workers' claims not being paid.
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