SSK and Ministry of Economy oppose cutting public holidays

The Union of Chambers of Commerce (SSK) and the Ministry of Economy have publicly rejected a proposal to reduce the number of non-working days and public holidays, saying the idea has not been formally submitted to the ministry nor discussed at the Economic and Social Council.

Focus on productivity and hourly pay instead

The two institutions argued that policy attention should be redirected toward raising worker productivity and exploring hourly wage systems rather than cutting statutory holidays.

Goran Gjorgjievski, president of the Union of Chambers of Commerce (SSK), said: "The position of the Union of Chambers of Commerce is that in Macedonia there are hardworking, dedicated and industrious people. There are honest people who want to work and we are absolutely not of the view that the number of holidays should be reduced. Our target and focus is how to increase the productivity of employees. One issue that we want the state to consider in the future is payment by the hour following the model of developed market liberal economies,".

Deputy Minister of Economy Marjan Risteski echoed that stance and referenced the prime minister's position, saying workers' acquired rights should not be reopened for debate. "Our position is the same as the prime minister's in that respect — that acquired rights of workers do not need further discussion, so I think that matter is closed. I think one of the options that should be examined going forward to increase employee productivity, not only in the public but also in the private sector, is payment by the hour," he said.

Both the SSK and the Ministry emphasized that any change to holiday rules would first need to follow formal procedures; until a proposal is officially submitted and evaluated at the Economic and Social Council there will be no policy decisions.

Photo: press material from the event