THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD MAKE A DECISION TO INCREASE SALARIES BY 18.4% IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAW, AND NOT MANIPULATE THE WORKERS WITH AN INCREASE IN SALARIES OF 2, 3, 5, 10, OR 15% WITHOUT ANY CRITERIA

The government should immediately adopt a Decision to increase the salaries of employees in the public sector by 18.4% in accordance with the harmonization established in the Law and not discriminate against its employees with lump-sum increases of 2,3,5,10 or 15%, which makes an attempt to undermine the general strike, and makes an even bigger revolt among the employees.

The government is leading the wrong policy, thinking that it is creating policies with which to deal with the crisis, and the data show the opposite, that is, they show that the difference between the average net salary and the union basket in 2022 is 7,384 denars, that is, that much money is missing to be able to live at least normally a family of four with an average salary if there is only one employee. Last year, that is, in 2021, that difference was much less and was 5,436 denars, in 2020 it was 6,925 denars, in 2019 7,816 denars, and on the other hand, the impact of the rise in prices and the rise in living costs, the growth of inflation which from month by month it is increasing and for the month of June it is 14.5%, it affects the reduction of the real value of workers' incomes, also the purchasing power of workers, which leads to the impoverishment of the entire population, which is one of the biggest factors that discourage and demotivates workers.

We remind the Government, Local Governments, and employers from the private sector that the Criminal Code applies to everyone without exception and provides that anyone who knowingly does not comply with a law, other regulation, or collective agreement, for the establishment or termination of the employment relationship, for the salary and benefits on salary, working hours, vacation or absence, protection of women, youth and the disabled or for the prohibition of overtime or night work and thereby infringes, takes away or restricts a right belonging to the employee, will be punished with a fine or imprisonment up to one year.

For that, by September, as the law says, salaries in both the public and private sectors should be adjusted by 18.4%, and the SSM demands, fights, and is determined to persevere until the end for the workers to receive dignified salaries determined in accordance with the Laws and collective agreements that must be enforced despite all pressures.