Congratulations and messages on the occasion of May 1st

International Labor Day, May 1, is celebrated today in Montenegro and in the world, in memory of about 40 thousand workers from Chicago who, seeking better living conditions, went on strike in 1886.

On this occasion, congratulations and messages arrived:

Vujović: In the media sector, the Ministry of Culture and Media supports the signing of the General and Sectoral Collective Agreements

On May 1st, we pay tribute to all workers who, throughout history, have built the foundations of a more just society with their effort, knowledge and perseverance, but also to all of you who work today and create conditions for a dignified life, said Minister of Culture and Media Tamara Vujović.

"Generations of workers throughout history have fought not only for the right to work, but also for the right to rest, confirming that the dignity of work is inextricably linked to the right to leisure and quality of life. Accelerated digitalization and implied accessibility remind us that the fight for workers' rights is not over. As long as there are those who are unemployed, underpaid or faced with unsafe working conditions, but also those who find obligations even after the eight-hour working day, there is an obligation to work together to create a more just and supportive society," Vujović stressed in a statement.

She added that "an additional challenge of the modern era is the accelerated development of artificial intelligence, which is already changing the nature of work and threatens to significantly replace numerous jobs, especially in the media sector, but also in the field of culture."

"These changes require a responsible approach, so that technological progress serves humanity, and not at the expense of their dignity and security. At the same time, we are also faced with the problems of undeclared work and untaxed income, which further endanger the position of employees and undermine the principles of fairness and equal opportunities. The fight against these phenomena must be a joint task of all social actors," said Vujović.

According to her, in the media sector, the Ministry of Culture and Media supports the signing of the General and Sectoral Collective Agreements, as key instruments for improving working conditions, strengthening professional safety and dignity of media workers.

"The fight for a better position for employees in culture and media remains our permanent obligation. We all have a responsibility to make work in these areas more dignified, safer and fairer. Today, we particularly highlight the contribution of employees in the administration of our Ministry, who work every day to improve public policies in accordance with modern European standards, as well as colleagues across the Government departments who, with their work and dedication, contribute to the implementation of reforms and the achievement of strategic goals from the European agenda. Only through solidarity, equality and responsibility can we build a society of equal opportunities and a dignified life for all. In this name, I congratulate all citizens on May 1st - International Labor Day," said Vujović.

Nurković: It is our obligation to continuously work on improving working conditions, strengthening social security and creating equal opportunities for all

On the occasion of May 1st - International Labor Day, the Vice President of the Parliament of Montenegro, Mirsad Nurković, sent his congratulations to all citizens, his office announced.

"This holiday is a permanent reminder of the importance of dignified work, workers' solidarity and the fight for a more just society. It is our obligation to continuously work to improve working conditions, strengthen social security and create equal opportunities for all. May May Day further encourage us to jointly build a society in which work is valued and people are respected," Nurković emphasized in a statement.

Pejović: Salaries and pensions have been increased through reform solutions adopted in the Parliament of Montenegro

Vujović: The government is "honoring" workers on May 1st by denying them basic rights

The government is "honoring" workers on May 1 by denying them basic rights, announced Ivan Vujović, president of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and one of the leaders of the European Union.

"By refusing to meet the justified demands of employees and conduct social dialogue, the government has shown its arrogant face. That is why, today, on Labor Day, there is no General Collective Agreement, as the basic instrument for protecting the rights of a huge number of employees. Instead of direct conversation, as is only appropriate for serious social dialogue, this Government is addressing workers with statements through the media and canceling scheduled meetings. At the same time, the Prime Minister is accusing unions of being blackmailers," Vujović pointed out in a statement.

He added that with this behavior, the government may achieve the impossible - to unite unions and employers against it.

"If instead of workers, it was some kind of crypto investors, Spajić would have had time for conversations and probably wouldn't have even appeared on Prime Minister's Hour yesterday. Despite all this and this government, whose back we will soon see. Happy May 1st to all who live from their work," said Vujović.

SNP: Every day we do everything we can to jointly win the fight for a society of equal opportunities, in which workers will not be just statistics, but a pillar of stability for our country.

The Socialist People's Party (SNP) of Montenegro sends its warmest congratulations to all citizens on the occasion of May 1, International Labor Day, the party announced.

"For the SNP, this holiday represents both a reminder of the historic struggle for workers' rights and a strong incentive to persevere in the mission of creating a fairer society in which every worker can live with dignity from their work. Every day, the SNP does everything we can to jointly win the fight for a society of equal opportunities, in which the worker will not be just a statistic, but a pillar of stability for our country," the statement said.

The SNP added that workers' rights, job security, and adequate wages that keep up with the cost of living must not remain empty phrases.

"In times of economic challenges, our strength lies in unity and care for those who build a better Montenegro with their work. The SNP, as a party that inherits original socialist ideas, will always be a steadfast partner to unions and all workers in the fight against discrimination and exploitation. We prove this every day. Our obligation is to leave younger generations an environment in which effort is appreciated and workers' rights are inviolable. With the wish that you spend the holiday in health and peace with your loved ones, we once again congratulate you on May Day," the SNP said.

Perić: Workers' rights must not remain just a statement, but must be lived through concrete policies and decisions

International Labor Day is an opportunity to once again mark a date that should not remain just a symbol or an occasion for a declarative message, said Srđan Perić, president of the Preokret Movement.

"Workers' rights must not remain just a statement, but must be lived through concrete policies and decisions, which benefit those who build their existence and new value with their work, whether they do so in agriculture, production, service industries or public administration. Without a fair price for work, and the fulfilled prerequisites for dignified and professional work, not only a just, but also an efficient and sustainable community is impossible. Protecting work and workers means protecting the perspective of long-term development, and May Day is a day to remind us that this process is never completely completed and that it needs to be constantly improved in order to be the basis for long-term security for both the individual and society," Perić emphasized in a statement.

He added that it is necessary to abandon the practice of making promises without any obligation to fulfill them and to instill real concern for the work and protection of especially those who maintain and develop the community through their hard work.

"Therefore, it is necessary to establish a system in which work is valued and workers' rights are consistently realized in practice. Such an approach can be the foundation of a reliable and just society. On behalf of the Upturn Movement, I congratulate all working people on May 1, International Labor Day," said Perić.

Borovinić Bojović: An opportunity to remind ourselves that work is not just an obligation, but the foundation of personal dignity, security and quality of life for every family

The President of the Capital City Assembly, Jelena Borovinić Bojović, sent a congratulatory message on the occasion of May 1, International Labor Day, the Capital City Assembly announced.

"Dear fellow citizens, as well as all citizens of Montenegro, I congratulate you on May 1st - International Labor Day. Labor Day is a day when we celebrate the value of work, the dedication and contribution of each individual to our society, but also an opportunity to remind ourselves that work is not only an obligation, but the foundation of personal dignity, security and quality of life for every family. At the same time, it obliges us as a society to improve the conditions in which work is valued, and effort and knowledge are recognized and respected, because such an approach represents the foundation of a responsible and just society," Borovinić Bojović emphasized in a statement published on the website of the Capital City.

She added that she wishes all workers good health, personal and professional fulfillment, as well as a sense of security and respect in their daily work.

"May your efforts be visible, and your contribution be permanently appreciated. I wish you to spend the holiday in health and a beautiful atmosphere, with family and friends. Happy May 1st," said Borovinić Bojović.

Nenezić: There is simply no end to the effort to affirm the principles of sustainable development with an emphasis on preserving workers' rights and their dignity

I would like to congratulate all citizens of Montenegro and Bar on International Labor Day as a holiday for all of us, and most of all as a holiday for all those actors in society who have dedicated their lives to the fight for workers' rights and building a better and fairer society, said the President of the Municipal Assembly (MA) of Bar, Branislav Nenezić.

"We celebrate the values ​​on May 1st to ensure that the struggle to realize them continues constantly. There is simply no end to the effort to affirm the principles of sustainable development with an emphasis on preserving the rights of workers and their dignity. We can always do more and better in this field, let us maintain the awareness that we all equally deserve a life worthy of a human being despite the challenges of human society turning completely to the pursuit of profit through the exploitation of human effort as the only value. Our modern and unique Bar, to which we aspire, is based most of all on the idea of ​​workers' solidarity and struggle, and today it is a symbol of harmony that transcends all divisions," Nenezić emphasized in a statement.

He added that Bar, which celebrates May 1st, "is a symbol of togetherness, which is a way of life in our city, and I have no doubt that together we will respond to all the challenges that await us in the coming period, which will be directed towards various economic projects that neglect the human being as a whole."

"Let's make sure that today's holiday continues to be a symbol of constant, unceasing struggle inspired by universal ideas, namely the ideas of equality, justice and humanity, on which our society must rest if we want it to be progressive and modern," said Nenezić.

Ćulafić: Montenegro celebrates this holiday today as a country that continuously improves the position of workers, in which workers' rights are increasingly protected, and the unemployment rate is declining

On the occasion of May 1, International Workers' Day, the Minister of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Development, Damjan Ćulafić, sent a congratulatory message to all citizens of Montenegro, the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Development announced.

"I congratulate all citizens of Montenegro on International Labor Day, a holiday that symbolizes the fight for decent work, job security and respect for workers' rights," Ćulafić said in a statement.

As he added, Montenegro is celebrating this holiday today as a country that is continuously improving the position of workers, in which workers' rights are increasingly protected, and the unemployment rate is declining.

"Montenegro is certainly moving towards membership in the European Union, with a clear vision of becoming part of the single European market in the coming period. On that path, we are working to ensure that our citizens are ready to meet the challenges of the modern labor market, relying on their knowledge, skills and intellectual capacities," said Ćulafić.

At the same time, as he said, a special focus is on the development of a sustainable and green economy, which is of increasing importance in Montenegro.

"We are building economic progress in accordance with the principles of environmental protection, encouraging the creation of so-called green jobs, jobs that contribute to the preservation of natural resources, pollution reduction and sustainable development," the minister said.

He once again congratulated May 1st, with wishes for personal and professional progress, safety at work, and better living conditions for all.

Camaj: This day reminds us of the importance of workers' rights, dignity of work and solidarity, as well as the need to build a more just society for all

The Vice President of the Parliament of Montenegro, Nikola Camaj, sends his most sincere congratulations to all citizens of Montenegro on the occasion of May 1st, Camaj's office announced.

"This day reminds us of the importance of workers' rights, the dignity of work and solidarity, as well as the need to build a more just society for all. I wish you to spend this holiday in peace, health and prosperity," Camaj said in a statement.

CDT: A moment to ask the question at what level workers in Montenegro live today

On the occasion of International Labor Day, the Center for Democratic Transition (CDT) congratulates all workers on May 1st, the non-governmental organization (NGO) announced.

"This date is not just a mere memory of the workers' struggle for a better life for the "little" man from the end of the 19th century to the present day, but a moment to ask the question at what level workers in Montenegro live today - not only its citizens but also foreign workers who often work in very difficult conditions that are not publicly discussed. In a country where everyone talks about economic growth, it is worth remembering that growth only makes sense if people really feel it. Not the level of wages, but the real quantity of goods that can be purchased for that wage, the quality of working conditions and job security are the best measure of that growth," the statement emphasizes.

The CDT added that "instead of a constant increase in the quality of life of workers in Montenegro, we have had a multiple increase in prices in most areas important to human life."

"Demagogic claims about exclusively 'imported' inflation show the ignorant attitude of the Government of Montenegro towards the essential problems affecting citizens. In this sense, we support the demands of the trade unions. For us, it is a question of solidarity - the willingness to stand by those who seek better working conditions and a fairer distribution of what is created in society. Montenegro's European path is not only a question of fulfilling obligations and closing chapters, but also of the quality of life of citizens. The European promise also implies that people can live normally from their work, and that is the standard we should strive for. We call on the Government to open space for serious dialogue with the trade unions and to make decisions on the economy taking into account those who create that economy and live from it," said the CDT.

Kovačević: The priority of the Municipality of Nikšić in the coming period will continue to be increasing the employment rate

The Mayor of the Municipality of Nikšić, Marko Kovačević, congratulated May Day - International Labor Day, emphasizing that the city is celebrating this date with a higher employment rate, i.e. a continuous increase in the number of workers from mid-2021 to the present, the Municipality of Nikšić announced.

"The increase in the number of employees, the significant social measures we introduced last year and the housing policy that we will create in the coming period - represent the main support in stabilizing our city after decades of decline. The data show that year after year we have more and more people who have exercised their right to employment, which has also reduced the outflow of residents who in the previous period left for work in other cities. Nikšić will continue to work and develop - all for the benefit of its citizens. We are paying special attention to creating new jobs, supporting businesspeople and improving conditions for young people, so that they can build their future in Nikšić," Kovačević emphasized in a statement.

He added that the Municipality is implementing numerous projects and programs, through which citizens are provided with opportunities for employment, acquiring new knowledge and improving skills, which further strengthens the local economy and creates a more favorable environment for living and working.

"Only through joint work, responsibility and solidarity can we continue this positive trend and ensure stable economic development. The priority of the Municipality of Nikšić in the coming period will continue to be increasing the employment rate," said Kovačević.