After the Law on the Exercise of the Right to Financial Support for Persons Employed in the Wood Processing and Forestry Industry Sectors was adopted today in the Parliament of Montenegro at the proposal of the Democratic Party MPs' Club, the party's MP Nikola Rovčanin congratulated the former employees and said that they had managed to right a small part of the injustice done to them.
"I say a fraction, because 12.000 euros is not compensation for your suffering, scarcity, poverty and the struggle that followed the bankruptcy of your companies, but this amount will be significant for your household budgets. You earned many times more, you deserved many times better, but today we are correcting at least part of that devastating time when the state turned its back on you and left you to fend for yourself and fight for a bare existence," he added.
Rovčanin explained under what conditions former workers in the wood processing and forestry industry can be entitled to financial support of 12.000 euros.
"If you were an employee of a state-owned wood processing or forestry company that went bankrupt, you have met the basic requirement. If your employment was terminated due to the introduction of bankruptcy and you did not start an employment relationship with another employer by the date of the introduction of bankruptcy, you are entitled to financial support. If you took early retirement after the introduction of bankruptcy, you are entitled to compensation. If you received money under the social program in the form of severance pay that is less than 12 euros, you are entitled to compensation, as the difference between the amount received and 000 euros. If you received a certain portion of the funds (mostly 12.000 euros from the Labor Fund), then the amount of 1.900 is reduced by 12.000 and you are entitled to 1.900 euros," said Rovčanin.
Applications are submitted from July 1, 2025, within 90 days to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of the Government of Montenegro.
"Along with the request, it is necessary to submit proof that the employee's employment has ended. These are usually decisions on the termination of employment by force of law due to the introduction of bankruptcy. Proof that you registered with the labor bureau after the termination of employment due to bankruptcy - this is available in the archives of the Employment Agency of Montenegro of your regional unit, if you do not have it with you. This is important evidence because it confirms that at the time of the introduction of bankruptcy you did not establish an employment relationship with another employer, but were registered as unemployed. A statement certified by a notary, that after the payment of support, you waive the right to exercise the right to financial support in court or other proceedings.
If you have: Evidence that you have been paid or not paid funds based on social programs, severance pay, labor fund. By law, the ministry obtains this evidence ex officio, but if you have it, please attach it.
If you do not have the documentation or you are missing part of it, you can obtain it from the bankruptcy trustee; the Employment Service - Labor Bureau in your city; In court files, if you have previously initiated proceedings; At the Pension and Disability Insurance Fund, if you need proof of early retirement; In the state archives in your branch.
"For former workers who have passed away, the right to financial support is acquired by their heirs, who submit a request and submit a decision on inheritance," Rovčanin said in a statement.
Bonus video:
