SSM CELEBRATED TWO MAJOR EVENTS

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1 MONTHLY BULLETIN Publication of Trade Unions of Macedonia Monthly issue No 21 September 2013 SSM CELEBRATED TWO MAJOR EVENTS MACEDONIAN LABOR LEGISLATION ENRICHED WITH ADDITIONAL INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS NINE TRADE UNIONS AFFILIATED IN SSM HAS ACQUIRED CERTIFICATES ON REPRESENTATIVENESS On 24 September, the Federation of Trade Unions of Macedonia held a press conference and introduced two important events: verification of the 3 ILO Conventions and obtaining Representation certificates of 9 Trade unions affiliated in SSM.

2 Page 2 The President Mitrevski added that procedures for obtaining Decisions on representaveness of other unions affiliated in SSM con- nue. Also, President Mitrevski informed of another major acvity of the Federaon of Trade Unions of Macedonia, which basically will contribute to strengthening internaonal labor standards in our labor legislaon which was published in the Official Gaze)e No. 55/13. Acvely parcipang in the integraon processes of the state SSM together with other social partners in October 2012 have submi)ed an iniave to rafy the following convenons, which later have been rafied: Convenon on collecve bargaining, No. 154 from 1981; Convenon on Labor relaons in public services, No. 151 from 1978, and the Recommendaon on Labor Relaons (Public Service) No. 159, and Labor Administraon Convenon, No. 150 from In the period upon iniave of SSM accepted by representave trade unions and other social partners, five convenons of the Internaonal Labor Organizaon have been rafied. We are pleased to inform you that another major acvity started by the Trade Unions affiliated in SSM has been completed. That is receiving the Decision on determinaon of the level of representaveness on a branch level i.e. department in the public and private sector of nine branch Trade Unions affiliated in SSM; was stated at the press conference by the president of SSM, PhD Zivko Mitrevski. The Ministry of Labor and Social Policy at the conclusion of the Commission on determinaon of representaveness upon the request of Trade Unions in compliance with the Labor Law has issued these cerficates: 1. Independent Trade Union of the Workers in Energy and Economy of the Republic of Macedonia Cerficate on determinaon of representaveness of branch level i.e. department in the public and private sector 2. Trade Union of the Workers in Agro Industrial Complex of the Republic of Macedonia Cerficate on determinaon of representaveness of branch level i.e. department - "Manufacture of tobacco products" Cerficate on determinaon of representaveness of branch level i.e. department in order to parcipate in collecve bargaining - acvity "producon of food products" Cerficate on determinaon of representaveness of branch level i.e. department in order to parcipate in collecve bargaining - acvity "Agriculture" 3. Trade Union of the workers in Construc%on, Industry and Civil Engineering of RM Cerdicate on determinaon of representaveness of branch level i.e. department in the public and private sector Cerficate on determinaon of representaveness of branch level i.e. department to parcipate in collecve bargaining by MLSP 4. Trade Union of the workers in Defense and Security of Macedonia Cerficate on determinaon of representaveness of branch level i.e. department 5. Independent Trade Union of the workers in Health, Social Care and Pharmacy of RM Cerficate on determinaon of representaveness of branch level i.e. department 6. Trade Union of the workers in Forestry, Wood Industry and Energy of RM Cerficate on determinaon of representaveness of branch level i.e. department

3 Page 3 7. Macedonian Police Trade Union Cerficate on determinaon of representaveness of branch level i.e. department 8. Trade Union of the workers in Catering, Tourism, Communal economy, Cras and Protecve Associaons of Macedonia Cerficate on determinaon of representaveness of branch level i.e. department 9. Trade Union of the Workers in the Texle, Leather and Shoe making Industry of RM Cerficate on determinaon of representaveness of branch level i.e. department The President Mitrevski added that procedures for obtaining Decisions on representaveness of other unions affiliated in SSM con- nue. SSM CELEBRATED THE WORLD DAY ON DECENT WORK On 7 October in the Federation of Trade Unions of Macedonia October 7, the World Day for Decent Work was celebrated by holding two seminars on "The concept of decent work and ILO supervisory mechanisms" and the joint seminar of women's sections of SSM, KSS and UNASM, "Together against Women Discrimination." Coordinator of ILO, Office Macedonia, Emil Krstanoski, Minister Dime Spasov, President of SSM, PhD Zivko Mitrevski and the ILO Sr. Specialist Ovidiu Jurca sent greetings on the occasion of the celebration of the World Day for Decent Work

4 Page 4 Within the frameworks of the seminar a press conference was held at which President of SSM, PhD Zivko Mitrevski, Minister of Labour and Social Policy, Dime Spasov and the ILO Sr. Specialist on labor issues Ovidiu Jurca publicly congratulated the World Day for Decent Work to all workers. The seminar was aended by representaves of the Confederaon of Free Trade Unions, Union of Autonomous and Independent Trade Unions, Employers' Organizaon, the Business Confederaon and other organizaons The President of SSM PhD Zivko Mitrevski outlined the basic components of decent work: To take appropriate national policies to increase employment, especially for young people, to decrease the rate of poverty, secure jobs, social security, equal opportunities to work for all, protection of discrimination, work to be a source of dignity and well-being of workers, to develop and practice social dialogue and to allow unions to participate in policy and decision making on issues important to workers.

5 Page 5 The Minister of Labour and Social Policy, Dime Spasov stated that this day is an opportunity to highlight past achievements and efforts for the next period, which are aimed at raising the level of dignity of labor. He mentioned the National Employment Program , the Action Plan for Youth Employment, the adoption of laws on minimum wage, mobbing and other regulations of the labor law. The Minister mentioned the current changes, including rising wages in the administration of five percent, 1,600 jobs for people with compromised social status, employment program for the orphans, the reduction of the unemployment rate from 36 percent in 2006 to 28.8 percent in the first quarter of Ovidiu Jurka, a Sr. Specialist in labor issues in the headquarters of the ILO (ILO DWT / CO) in Budapest noted that for ILO all workers are equal and deserve the same treatment and respect. Jurka stressed that progress of social dialogue is a positive sign for the realization of the basic concept of decent work, such as the rule of law, non-discrimination, equal opportunities, good social security system and other key elements. During the seminar it was discussed about the activities of trade unions in the ratification of ILO Conventions At the seminar presentations of representatives of trade unions for collective bargaining status and supervisory mechanisms of the ILO were presented, as well as union activities of ratification of ILO Conventions and their role in the country reports. The presentation of Ovidiu Jurka was entitled "Freedom of association and supervisory mechanisms - international labor standards." Also the topic of "ILO supervisory mechanisms and examples from Macedonia - new conditions" was discussed. SEMINAR TOGETHER AGAINST WOMEN DISCRIMINATION President of SSM, PhD Zivko Mitrevski with the Presidents of Women s sections Elizabeta Gelevska (SSM), Divna Zmejkovska (UNASM ) and Dragana Matlioska (KSS) Another seminar was held organized by women's sections of SSM, KSS and UNASM, entitled "Together against women discrimination." At the seminar the President of SSM PhD Zivko Mitrevski had speech and encouraged women unionists that the common organization of the seminar is an indicator of bringing unions together. The meeting was held within the project "Strengthening the capacity of women employees and networking in the Western Balkans" with the support of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) and ISCOS.

6 Page 6 GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED INCREASE OF WAGES, PEN- SIONS AND SOCIAL TRANSFERS On 18 September Prime Minister of Republic of Macedonia Nikola Gruevski listed the projections for next year s national economy and announced increase in wages, pensions and social transfers. Prime Minister in his address to the business sector announced 5 % raise for administration starting from October next year. The increase is the first one since the start of the crisis, when public sector wages were frozen. Pensions and social allowances will also be raised for 5 % starting in March 2014, while allowances for persons with disabilities will increase from 1 January Prime Minister Gruevski informed that the planned economic growth for 2014 is 3.2 %, growth in inflation to 3.3 % and a deficit of 3.5 %, increase in wages, pensions and social transfers, growth of capital investments, subsidies and farmers aid in the amount of 130 million euro. Increases have been anticipated for other transfers primarily in the social area and 140 million are provided on subsidies and other assistance to farmers, an increase in capital expenditures for investments, construction, roads, streets, water systems, sewage systems as is the trend in the last 3 years. This will affect economic growth and job creation because in times of economic crisis there are countries in which they go down - said Gruevski. TRADE UNION WELCOMED MEASURES TO IN CREASE SALARIES AND PENSIONS The media including TV Sitel, portal Ekonomski, Vecer, Republika informed on the President s Zivko Mitrevski PhD statements expressing SSM s support for Government s economic program for the next year. For TV Sitel under the title Rising Wages and Pensions - a sign that the economy is on track Mitrevski stated the raising wages in administration, pensions and social allowances is good news both for trade unions and businessmen. One month ago trade union asked for increase of salaries for the administration that have been frozen since start of the crisis. He estimated that the increase in wages, pensions and social benefits will improve the living standards of citizens. Planning of the budget is made in accordance with the demands of the social partners, i.e. the trade union, which represents additional quality in development of the social partnership. Moreover such behavior is rarely observed during crisis where social partners make extremely important decisions - states Mitrevski for Sitel TV. In articles entitled Rising Wages Will Improve Workers Standard in Vecer and Ekonomski.mk is informed that Federation of Trade Unions of Macedonia welcomes the Government's decision to raise the salaries of administration, pensions and social benefits. The leader of country s largest trade union Zivko Mitrevski says that raising of wages is on trade union s demand of one month ago. Another important thing for us is that for the first time while projecting the budget social partners were coordinated that provides new quality of social dialogue in the country. He explained that other measures such as the Law on financial discipline, Law on Bankruptcy and other laws will positively affect workers living standard. "Higher wages and other planned actions will raise the standard" is the title of the article in the weekly newspaper Republika, which also carried President s statements. P R E S I D E N T M I T R E V S K I I N O H R I D President Zivko Mitrevski PhD talking with workers in the village of Lower Lakocerej On September 28, President of SSM Zivko Mitrevski PhD and Secretary of the regional union office in Ohrid Dragan Cvetanoski, held several meetings with representatives of trade union organizations in the private and public sector.

7 P a g e 7 At the press conference Mitrevski talked about analysis on the implementation of the Minimum Wage Law, on the recruitment in companies with no trade union organizations and other current conditions, especially on the preparation for establishment of the LESC in Ohrid. Starting from the base and with strong organization of whole trade union infrastructure - unions can achieve good results President Mitrevski had a meeting in PE "Civil Engineering". President of their Trade Union Bosko Shargoski and director Nichola Ikonomoski presented the current situation, the progress in the payment of delayed wages and health contribution. During the visit President Mitrevski visited employees in the field, working on installation networks in Radoica Novicki area in the village of Lower Lakocerej. The employees expressed their satisfaction with the visit and interest in solving of their problems. The analysis on implementation of the Minimum Wage Law was explained to the media. EIGHTEENTH SESSION OF THE ECONOMIC SOCIAL COUNCIL On meeting SSM was presented by president Ph.D. Zivko Mitrevski and president of Union SIER Pece Ristevski At the Eighteenth Meeting of the Economic - Social Council which was held on September 26 was discussed about the Law on Amending to the Law on Peaceful Resolution of Labor Disputes. Also it was discussed about information on negotiations for drafting and signing of the collective agreement for public sector. At the meeting the draft measure of the Association for metallurgy at the Chamber of Commerce of Macedonia for defining the category "past years of service" was discussed. Also the written report of the national body for social responsibility of ORM, SSM and KSS was taken into considerations.

8 P a g e 8 SUCCESSFUL CAMPAIGN CONTINUES TO ESTABLISH LOCAL ECONOMIC - SOCIAL COUNCILS On 30 September in Gostivar was signed the Agreement on establishing of the Local Economic and Social Council. The establishment of the local economic - social councils takes place within the SSM s campaign for establishment of local economic and social councils and within the program of USAID YES for youth employment. The Agreement was signed by the Local Government, SSM, KSS and OEM. On behalf of the Local Government the Agreement signed by the Mayor of Gostivar Nevzad Bejta, and by the President of SSM Zivko Mitrevski PhD. In their speeches Mayor Bejta and President Mitrevski, as well as the representative of USAID Michael Stievater, stressed the importance of establishing the LESC for local community benefits from the implementation of the functions of the LESC. It is estimated that there will be benefits for the citizens and workers from the municipality of Gostivar, especially for the unemployed young people who, through networking and fostering their skills with current needs of the labor market will be possible get job. Through this institutional mechanism social partners will encourage all matters of local concern: the local economy, needs of the labor market, developing business climate, harmonizing the needs of education etc. It was also pointed out that the Representatives of the social partners today in Gostivar - LESC offers a new perspective in the social dialogue at local level establishment of LESC provides perspective for introduction of new elements in the creation of social dialogue at the local level, similar to what was done at the national level. During the last year SSM run a campaign for establishment of local economic - social councils. The campaign was launched on May 1, At the beginning of June was held the conference named "Local social dialogue in Macedonia - challenges and needs." LESC were established in Kumanovo, Kavadarci, Tetovo, Strumica, Stip and Bitola. MEETING OF SSM AND THE WORLD BANK Creating quality jobs is one of the primary objectives of the Federation of Trade Unions of Macedonia and hence in the coming years we expect close cooperation with the World Bank mission to increase employment in the country- was said at meeting of the SSM leadership and team of the World Bank on 2 oktober in SSM. The purpose of the meeting familiarizing with SSM s efforts and activities on creating new jobs and opportunities for collaboration with the World Bank on employment growth. Mrs. Indira Santos, Senior Economist and Task Team Leader, said that the purpose of the World Bank s mission is to start planning and organizing activities to support development of a new jobs strategy which will replace the old one which expires in 2015; follow-up of the previous discussions with the Government to support the evaluation of programs for active labor market; follow-up of the survey to measure the implementation of skills and discuss any requests for technical support in the areas of employment and job creation. Secretary General of the Council of SSM Angelko Angjelkovski informed the team about the SSM s active participation in national programs on reducing unemployment, including the Action Plan for Employment , participation in the Twinning Project for the National Programme for Employment and other national projects related to employment. SSM is running a campaign for establishing of local economic and social councils. They proved to be useful institutions for aligning the needs of employers and job seekers. Their priority is employment of young people and their connection with the labor market, explained Angjelkovski.

9 Page 9 Secretary General Angelko Angjelkovski (center), lawyer Lile Petrova and head of departments Slobodan Trendafilov (left) with the World Bank team - Cristoph Kurowski and Indira Santos (right) The World Bank representatives reported that for the World Bank and the European Commission, in particular through the IPA program, the topic of primary interest is the problem with youth employment. Specialist on Human Development Mr. Christoph Kurowski said that the focus is on labor market analysis and skills of young people and he was interested in the views of the union. Kurowski explained the Regional Program for Inclusive Growth in SEE by Cooperation with SSM would be in terms of determining working areas of the project. The World Bank mission will cooperate with several state institutions, as the ministries of labor, social policy, economy, education and finance, Employment Agency and other relevant institutions. ACCEPTED MANY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE LAW ON INSPECTION SUPERVISION We're pleased to conclude that discussions and negotiations with the Ministry of Information Society and Administration were successfully completed - said President of SSM Zivko Mitrevski PhD at the press conference held on in SSM. The press conference was held on the occasion of proposal of amendments to the Law on Inspection Supervision and UPOZ demands that are largely accepted by the ministry. Trade unions made remarks aimed at improving legislation, strengthening the position of employees, job security, trade union participation in the further development of regulations and other laws.it is good, said Grujovski, that the dialogue found common solutions and hence the optimism for a good collaboration of the social partners. Social partners continue to jointly build labor legislation

10 Page 10 In this way we successfully manifested social partnership and social dialogue. We believe that in this way we will continue together and to build a preventive legislation with direct interest in labor and workers in the country - said President Mitrevski. Minister Ivo Ivanovski also confirmed that the dialogue with the union is successfully completed. He informed that many requests of UPOZ are accepted, such as the extension of the certificate from five to six years. The ministry and the union agreed if senior workers do not pass the exam it won t be a threat for losing their jobs. As pointed out by the Minister, the demand was accepted that in the preparation of documents for redistribution, trade union representatives to participate despite the Inspection Council. The inspectors that will not pass the exam 3 times will be redistributed to other jobs but they won t be fired. This law introduces the possibility to reward employees. It is not aimed only at protecting employees, said the Minister. President of UPOZ Peco Grujovski noted that successful negotiations are aimed at adoption of a modern law and expressed the satisfaction with the acceptance of UPOZ requirements. This law is reforming and accepted changes guarantee the jobs. It is good, said Grujovski, that the dialogue found common solutions and hence the optimism for a good collaboration of the social partners. CONFERENCE ON SECURITY ENGINEERING AT WORK AND FIRE President Mitrevski on OHS standpoints of SSM On 4 and 5 October in Bitola organized by the International Slavic University Gavrilo Romanovich Derzhavin was held the first International scientific and technical conference for 2013 Security Engineering at Work and Fire." The conference was attended by President of SSM Dr. Zivko Mitrevski who noted that the Federation of Trade Unions of Macedonia is especially devoted to labor legislation and international labor standards in the OHS area. An important step in the progress of legislation in this area is the ratification of the ILO OHS Convention adopted on SSM s initiative. Important step for the trade union is the commitment regarding implementation of regulations in enterprises by union trustees. Given the importance of the topics the conference will be another contribution to the creation of appropriate and modern OHS regulations, said Mitrevski. The initiative for the conference is created by providing accreditation of the Faculty of Security Engineering at the University. The conference was attended by over 80 applicants and 120 active observers. 17th TRADE UNION SCHOOL OF TRADE UNION OF HEALTH From 27 to 29 September in Ohrid was held 17th Trade Union School of Independent Trade Union of Health, Pharmacy and Social Care. The school was opened by the President of the Union of Health Ljubisa Karanfilovski attended by SSM President Zivko Mitrevski PhD. The two presidents spoke about the activities of the Union in the previous period. They pointed to the significant benefits provided by labor legislation and collective bargaining and union's position in society. Trade Union school attended by trade unionists from health facilities across the country.

11 Page 11 President Mitrevski and leadership of the Trade Union of Health - recognized representaveness means defined social partnership The Decision on representativeness was awarded to the Union of Health, as the only representative in the country, which legitimizes its position in social partnership. At the school, attended by union members, Dr. Konstantin Petkovski talked about collective bargaining Trade Union school aended by trade unionists from health facilies from theoretical and practical aspect. Todor Kalamatiev PhD. and MSc. Aleksandar Ristovski had across the country presentations. 17 Trade Union School was held within the educational concept of the Independent Trade Union of Health, Pharmacy and Social Care. 17 Trade Union School was held within the educational concept of the Independent Trade Union of Health, Pharmacy and Social Care of Macedonia. PANEL DEBATE ON REGIONAL NETWORKING OF TRADE UNIONS IN TRAFFIC AND COMMUNICATIONS The problems which trade unions are faced with in the field of traffic and communicaons in the region overlap in many respects, and hence the impetus for joint acon is even stronger. This was stated at the Regional Panel Debate held September 2013 in Skopje tled Trade Unions in the Traffic and Communicaons Sector New Regional and European Challenges. It was organized by the Trade Unions of Workers in Traffic and Communicaons of Macedonia (SRSVM) in partnership with the Friedrich Ebert S8ung Office in Macedonia. Parcipants included trade unionists from five countries in the region: Croaa, Bulgaria, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Macedonia, as well as representaves and guests from other organizaons in the country. Trade unions from the region of Eastern Europe in the sector of traffic and communicaons pointed to several problemac issues which are of common concern and pose challenges to all union acons: problems in the field of rights and responsibilies of employees union members, problems related to union organizing and acvity, as well as problems related to collecve bargaining within naonal frameworks.

12 Page 12 Representatives of Trade Unions in traffic from Bulgaria, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia Trade unions from the region of Eastern Europe in the sector of traffic and communications pointed to several problematic issues which are of common concern and pose challenges to all union actions: problems in the field of rights and responsibilities of employees union members, problems related to union organizing and activity, as well as problems related to collective bargaining within national frameworks. The conclusion was the most unions share similar problems in the region. The working atmosphere of the seminar passed in the spirit of support, cooperation and solidarity which resulted into adoption of several joint conclusions. All seminar participants supported with acclamation the initiative for regional trade union cooperation. This implies networking between trade unions at the regional level in the field of traffic and communications in all fields of action. The networking should help enable exchange of information, joint resolving of problems, chance to access legislation, acts and documents as well as mutual aid and coordination when participating in European and international organizations and bodies. All the participants consent to regional cooperation and communicating the experiences from this event to colleagues so as more trade unions would join this cooperation. At this meeting the unions agreed that trade unions SRSVM (Macedonia) and FTTUB (Bulgaria) shall coordinate the technical support in the accomplishment of this initiative, while all the national unions and participants in the seminar are member of the Initiative Committee. It was agreed that technical support should be provided by FES office, as the connecting bridge that will facilitate trade union communication, while the union policy and decision-making is the role of unions participating in this initiative. Also possibility was announced for holding of next meeting for November, if financial conditions are provided. Participants in the meeting sent across an open call for including colleagues from all the countries in the international ITF Action Week for the Transport Sector (7-13 October) in order to coordinate even a wider action in support to the week s slogans. Participants in the seminar further agreed on marking one more action day with coordinated activities: November 25th the International ILO day for elimination of violence against women, on which the ITF is organizing campaigns every year. Meeting participants entrusted with Ms. Yordanova, Member of the ITF Executive Committee to convey the information about this meeting, and the conclusions thereof, before he ITF colleagues. REGIONAL PANEL ON NETWORKING AND COOPERATION OF TRADE UNIONS IN THE WESTERN BALKANS TO BE HELD SOON On September 15 and 16 at the Sredno Vodno Hotel in Skopje a Regional Panel will be held which will focus on the regional networking and joint union activities in the countries of the Western Balkans. The Panel will be organized by the SRSVM and the FES Office in Macedonia jointly. The Panel will bring together representatives of trade unions in the field of traffic and communications of Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria as well as representatives of other organizations in the country. The Regional Office of the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung in Belgrade in charge of Labor Relations and Social Dialogue in SEE has begun several projects on this topic. The goal is to exchange and use the experiences, especially in view of the building of better regional networks. At the coming Panel special emphasis will be placed on regional cooperation and unification of union force in the struggle for better working conditions for members of transportation trade unions in the region.

13 Page 13 SECOND MEETING OF SGIP WITH REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE COMPANY AKTOR On 09/20/2013 representaves of SGIP and BWI had a second meeng with the company AKTOR, the main contractor of Corridor 10 in the country. With this visit SGIP and BWI s acvies to join new members connue, with a special emphasis on workers engaged in the project and giving informaon on the most vulnerable area for work i.e. health and safety at work. In this context, on 20 September 2013 at the request of SGIP a visit on part of the route (Highway Demir Kapija- Smokvice) was realized. This visit was a7ended by Blaguna Stojkoska - Secretary General of SGIP, Peshevski Ivan - Assistant to the President of SGIP, Krste Mickovski - coordinator for health and safety at work, Stojko Murdzhevalevski - Regional Representave of CCM - Kavadarci Dusko Boskovic OHS representave of the Union "Putari" - Serbia, Domagoj Ferbedar - Representave for Southeast Europe from World Organizaon for construc- on and mber industry - BWI, Project Manager of AKTOR and OHS Expert at AKTOR. SGIP presented employment rights to workers and the reason why they need to be members of the union. Parcipants were aware of OHS as the most important topic for work in the construcon sector. For this issue SGIP launched a campaign "Let's build roads without injuries and casuales" and prepared special flyers which include all elements of civil engineering that employees should be careful and special a7enon to personal protecve equipment and labor rights was given. What is most important for the work of SGIP and the World Organizaon for construcon and mber industry - BWI is that acvies on this road will connue in future, it was concluded and agreed by both pares. For this purpose SGIP will connue its cooperaon with the Ministry of Finance, the European Bank for Reconstrucon and Development, the Agency for State Roads and the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs with a request for a special OHS inspector for this object.

14 Page 14 NETWORKING SEMINAR OF CHEMISTRY AND NON-METALS TRADE UNIONS FROM THE REGION Trade Union of Chemistry, Metals and Non-metals of the Republic of Macedonia SHNM and the Independent Trade Union of Chemistry and Non-Metals of Serbia with the FES support from 20 to 22 September held a seminar in Probishtip on the Role and Need for Regional Networking of Trade Unions. The seminar attended by 24 participants from Macedonia and Serbia set the future goals to which both unions aspire. One of them is networking to unite trade unions in the region. Further joint discussions and seminars were agreed to be sponsored by FES, but it was also discussed of conferences and seminars financed by unions themselves. CONGRATULATIONS ON INDEPENDENCE DAY The President of the Federaon of Trade Unions of Macedonia PhD Zivko Mitrevski on the occasion of the celebrang Eighth of September, the Independence Day of the Republic of Macedonia has congratulated the President Gjorgje Ivanov, the President of the Parliament, Trajko Veljanovski and the Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski. The greeng is the following: On behalf of the Federaon of Trade Unions of Macedonia and in my behalf I would like to extend sincere congratulaons on the occasion of celebrang September 8, the Independence Day of the Republic of Macedonia. The Federaon of Trade Unions of Macedonia, as an workers organizaon that for more than a century defends, represents and fights for promo- on of the rights and interests of Macedonian workers in their acons in the upcoming period will strive to support the acvies of all enes that are directed towards overall development of democrac processes in the country, European and NATO integraon processes, as well as all those acvies aimed at improving the socio - economic status of cizens and workers in the country. In this respect our commitment remains to respect labor values further through development of social dialogue and consensus, with democraza- on of social relaons, and connuing on the path of joining the big European family which will contribute to further prosperity of the Republic of Macedonia. OFFICIAL CLOSING OF THE MODERNIZATION PROJECT OF THE EMPLOYMENT SERVICE AGENCY Within the project of modernization of the Employment Agency yesterday at "Skopski Saem" the final meeting on "Further modernization of the Employment Agency" was held on 27 September. The project refers to further modernization and development of ESA, in order to meet the requirements associated with accession to the EU and the European employment policy. The main objectives of the project are to improve the quality and efficiency of services provided to job seekers and employers by ESA, unemployment and preventing employees of becoming unemployed, strengthening the capacity of ESA and tackling new challenges of public services, while one of the main goals is employment growth in Europe. The meeting was attended by the President of CCM PhD Zivko Mitrevski, who is a member of the Steering Committee of the Project. This project contributed to the modernization and institutional development of the Agency and thus strengthens the capacities of the employees. This project like the previous ones has contributed to modernization, adaption to change and dealing with labor market challenges, was stated by the Minister of Labor and Social Policy, Dime Spasov. The minister has stressed the cooperation with the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy as well as with other bodies and institutions. The project is funded by the European Union under the Operational Program on Human Resources Development (IPA component IV). The project s amount equals to 1,375,500 Euros.

15 Page 15 REGIONAL TRADE UNION OFFICES RTUO VELES. Several meetings of trade unions from Veles, Sveti Nikole and Gradsko in coordination with presidents of STKC, SUTKOZ, UPOZ and AGRO. The purpose of these meetings is recruitment of new TU members. 14 employees are recruited from the local Forestry Police and 4 from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management. On was held a meeting with representative of the trade union organization Dimko Mitrev about dissatisfaction on the part of the work of TUO, while the next day is discussed with three of dissatisfied workers, in order to resolve the situation. On a meeting was held with three workers of Zito Vardar about the cancellation of employment contracts for business reasons. Consultations were carried out with a group of workers from Brako for their membership in SIER. 5 legal advices are provided to members on overtime and night shift. RTUO KAVADARCI. During September legal protection was provided to 27 clients in the area of RTUO Kavardaraci and to 3 from TUO Kavadarci. Visits were paid in of TUO Winery Tikves Kavadarci, GD Tikves and General Hospital Kavadarci. In order to recruit new members on 20.9 was held a meeting in Actor company which constructs Corridor 10. The meeting was between SGIP s secretary, assistant and OHS coordinator and company's project manager and OHS expert. The meeting focused on labor rights and OHS conditions. It was specifically said that workers make telephone contact with SGIP and SSM s branches and offices in Kavadarci, Negotino and Gevgelija announcing the need for affiliation in SGIP. These activities will continue during second meeting with employees of Actor. RTUO KUMANOVO. Most of the activities wer e connected with bankr uptcy pr oceedings of TTK Kumanovo and Zitomel - Kumanovo. On 5.09 was scheduled court hearing on Zitomel and on for TTK Kumanovo. To assist the employees of TTK were made series of interventions such as meetings in the Court, Employment Agency, drafting of claims, collecting signatures to oust the bankruptcy trustee and other procedures. On was held a meeting in the Government. On President of SIER Pece Ristevski visited Factory for welded pipes, due to the deteriorating financial condition and the delay in wages. RTUO OHRID. Meetings with trade unions for recruitment and exercise of employee s rights. On several occasions contacts were made with the head of the Legal Department of JSC Lihnida - Ohrid for union election and registration of trade union organization. Meeting was held with the president of the Forest Economy Galicica - Ohrid for consultation in relation to the workers rights - union members under labor law and collective agreements, especially regarding other fees. Meetings with heads of PE Niskogradba and PE Vodovod - Ohrid with consultations on further action in respect of judgments for food and transportation allowance. Meeting with President of AGRO members of Water community Golema Reka in Velmej for consultation on future activities. Organizing and participating in a press conference with President Zivko Mitrevski PhD and visit of several enterprises. RTUO SKOPJE. Held several meetings with the manager and director of the Institute for testing building materials. At тhе meeting of attended by the Secretary of SGIP activities were arranged to form a new trade union organization and membership in SGIP. Interventions in JSC ZUAS and turmoil over ownership and purchase of foreign buyers as well as about unpaid wages and benefits. Legal protection of member JSC GIM for dismissal. RTUO TETOVO. Provided legal protection for workers from Tetovo. Hearing on plaintiff against Hemo Medica for termination of employment. Complaint to the Basic Court Tetovo for employee in PCE. The employee is a member of SUTKOZ and hence is discussed with President Zoran Georgievski to schedule a meeting with the management team in order to find a compromise solution. Agreement is reached to withdraw the complaint. President of SUTKOZ on had a meeting in PCE Tetovo with director and president of TUO focused on finding of a solution for successful operation, participation of union representatives to resolve problems, payment of delayed wages and other conditions. TUO GOSTIVAR. 240 former employees contacted TUO of OHIM GES Gostivar seeking legal aid for representation before the Basic Court in Gostivar for compensation for unpaid wages and benefits, as well as a lawsuit filed by PE Housing against some employees. TUO KICEVO. At the request of the President SIER was held a meeting with the president of the JSC Tajmiste. CONTACT Blagojce Krstevski, Associate for information, SSM tel/fax e mail: b. krstevski@ssm.org.mk