The Board of Directors of the Bijelo Polje Pensioners' Association expressed deep dissatisfaction with the announced 0,38 percent increase in pensions, believing that it does not represent a real improvement in the position of pensioners, according to a statement from the organization, signed by the president of the association, Milan Minić.
Pensioners point out that this increase seriously violates the dignity of people who have worked to build and preserve this country for more than four decades.
"Such a measure does not keep up with the increase in the cost of living and does not meet the real needs of the pensioner population, which has been facing a difficult social and economic situation for a long time. We believe that pensioners would be far more satisfied if this issue were decided in a more serious, responsible and fair manner, and not through symbolic increases that have no real effect. We particularly express our dissatisfaction with the work and efforts of the Union of Pensioners' Associations of Montenegro, which, in our opinion, did not adequately represent the interests of its members," the statement reads.
Pensioners from Bijelo Polje also pointed out differences in the way salary increases are regulated for certain categories, such as MPs, employees in the judiciary, healthcare and other sectors, while they, they say, have once again been left aside.
"We appeal to the competent institutions to provide concrete assistance in connection with the completion of the construction of 12 apartments in Ribarevine, intended for pensioners. The construction of these apartments began three years ago. Rough construction work has been done, and we have recently installed exterior joinery and secured the buildings from decay. Without systemic state assistance, the continuation and completion of this project is not possible. Pensioners need real support, not just formal promises," the Bijelo Polje Pensioners' Association said.
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