Federation of Trade Unions of Macedonia is an organization whose members affiliate on democratic and voluntary basis for representing the economic and social interests of the membership.
SSM is an autonomous organization, independent of government, employers, political parties and other organizations and institutions.
The main objectives of SSM are: protection of workers' rights, social justice, financial security, health care, pension and disability insurance, legal protection, solid housing policy, qualification and training of workers.
Methods for achievement of these objectives are: strengthening of social dialogue and social partnership, participation in decision-making institutions, collective bargaining, protection of workers, international cooperation, education of membership and objective information for the general public. Preferred way to achieve the objectives is by negotiations and agreements with the social partners. If negotiations do not give result industrial action is organized, including strikes.
SSM advocates for human rights and freedoms, rule of law, democracy and free market. SSM requires all workers to be properly reported, and to have regular and decent wage. Overtime and night work should be paid separately, the right to annual leave should not be reduced, all contributions should be paid - in short, not to misuse any labor right.
SSM stands for the application of international standards, conventions and recommendations. Trade union rights and freedoms are contained in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of the United Nations (1948), the European Social Charter of the Council of Europe (1961) and in several Conventions of the International Labor Organization. Republic of Macedonia has ratified ILO Conventions 87 and 98, being also implemented in the Constitution of Republic of Macedonia.