What changed
2026-08-27 07:46 UTC → 2026-09-04 21:57 UTC ·
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Montenegrin labor union collective agreement negotiations and EU accession implications
Labor unions in Montenegro, specifically the Union of Free Trade Unions (USSCG) and the Alliance of Trade Unions (SSCG), have pressured the government to finalize a new Negotiations regarding Montenegro’s General Collective Agreement (OKU). The unions noted that the previous agreement expired on April 30, leading to concerns regarding employee rights and the rising cost of living. Negotiations (OKU) have progressed to formal meetings involving intensified, with labor unions, the government, trade unions, and the Employers' Union of Montenegro. Montenegro meeting to address the expiration of the previous agreement. A central demand is increasing remains the increase of the salary calculation coefficient from 90 to 100 euros, a move which unions claim estimate would raise basic salaries by approximately roughly 11 percent. Other agenda items include sick leave policies, leave, Sunday work, and the potential implementation of a potential seven-hour workday. Vladimir Pavićević of the USSCG indicated a potential agreement could involve a five percent increase in the coefficient value starting in September or October, with further adjustments after the New Year. While unions expressed optimism that the agreement could be signed in early September, Slobodan Mikavica, President of the Employers' Union, cautioned has maintained that there is “no guarantee” the coefficient increase will be approved. He stated approved, stressing that any wage increases adjustments must be part of a “comprehensive, sustainable package” that accounts for aligned with the upcoming state budget and economic needs. Labor groups have maintained budget. While there was initial optimism that failure to reach an agreement could result be signed in early September, the situation has escalated into a general strike. diplomatic matter. The Economic and Social Council (EKS), the Union of Free Trade Unions (USSCG), and the Confederation of Trade Unions (SSCG) have formally petitioned the European Commission to intervene. The unions are requesting that the restoration of the OKU and the establishment of functional social dialogue be made mandatory conditions for closing Chapter 19 (Social Policy and Employment) in Montenegro’s EU accession negotiations. Labor groups claim the government’s failure to sign a previously compromised text has left over 100,000 workers without legal protection. They warn that the current deterioration of social dialogue poses a direct threat to Montenegro’s progress within the EU enlargement framework.