The growth of average earnings, in itself, does not guarantee an improvement in the economic situation of citizens, but rather requires strong fiscal measures, responsible social and development incentives, as well as an efficient fight against corruption and crime, said Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović.
At the first May Day trade union academy, organized by the Union of Free Trade Unions (USSCG) on the occasion of May Day - International Workers' Day, he said that only in this way is it possible to build an inclusive and truly just society, in which every citizen sees their future, has a chance for a dignified life and participates equally in the development of their country.
Milatović, as announced by his Public Relations Office, said that he was pleased to address the occasion of May Day - a holiday celebrated as an expression of respect for work and workers, the foundation of every society that strives for progress, justice and dignity.
"I am certain that without the Union of Free Trade Unions and the dedicated work over the past two decades, workers' rights in Montenegro would not be at the level they are today. On behalf of the citizens of Montenegro and on behalf of workers, thank you for that fight. Today, we pay tribute to the generations that fought for workers' rights - for dignified work, safety and fair conditions. Their fight obliges us and reminds us that progress is not a given, but is the result of joint efforts, solidarity, struggle and perseverance," Milatović said.
He recalled that Montenegro has made important steps in strengthening workers' rights.
"Our legislative framework protects the right to work, union organizing and dignified working conditions. However, it is not enough for rights to simply exist, we must also fight for them to be respected and for institutions to fully implement them so that they become part of the everyday lives of our citizens," said Milatović.
He added that today, while celebrating work, it is also necessary to speak honestly about the challenges.
"For decades, our society has gone through difficult periods of political instability, transition, global crises and slow economic recovery. Long-standing differences in income and assets have increasingly divided citizens, creating a deep gap between the rich and the poor. Inequality in both income and access to life opportunities is still present among us and is not just a number on paper," said Milatović.
According to him, the level of poverty, especially among the unemployed and residents of the northern and rural regions, is very high.
"Many of our citizens still feel uncertain about insecure contracts, low salaries or difficult working conditions. Subjective indicators also confirm that a large number of citizens continue to live with pronounced financial difficulties, due to high prices and living costs. Too many young people are looking for opportunities outside the borders of our country, instead of building their future here, in Montenegro. This state of affairs in society has been led, among other things, by the practice that it is more important how much you have than how much you know or which party you belong to in relation to how much you work or are worth," Milatović said.
He said that the fight against inequality requires a serious approach - long-term measures, agreement, and justice for all.
"We have witnessed positive developments in the previous period, such as the nominal growth of average earnings, which is predominantly conditioned by the increase in the minimum wage through the Europe Now 1 program. Here too, I want to be personal. I remember numerous sessions of the Social Council, where, as Minister of Economic Development, I learned a lot from representatives of the USSCG. I am proud of the major decisions that we made together within the Social Council, which concern Europe Now 1 and the general collective agreement," said Milatović.
He believes that there is still room for improvement.
"Data shows that more than half of employees in Montenegro have a monthly net salary of less than 800 euros," Milatović said.
He said that the contribution that unions make to the protection and strengthening of workers' rights is immeasurable.
Milatović announced that May Day is not just a day of rest, but also a day of reminder that there is no freedom without struggle, without economic justice, and that there is no prosperity without equal opportunities for all.
"I believe that our society is as strong as its workers are protected. And workers are as strong as they are protected. I believe in Montenegro, which invests in knowledge and progress, but does not forget a single worker - not in the factory, not in the field, not behind the wheel, not in the classroom, not in the hospital. Therefore, let this day be an inspiration for us to build a country in which the rights of workers are inviolable, and their dignity is inviolable. And equally important - a country where work is not a source of uncertainty, but the foundation of a dignified life," said Milatović.
He congratulated all workers, as well as all citizens, on May Day - International Labor Day.
"Long live dignified work and long live Montenegro," Milatović concluded.
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