LIFE IS EXPENSIVE, SALARIES ARE LOW, OR NOT?

The latest data of the Trade Union Minimum Basket calculated by SSM shows an increase of 979 denars for one month or 3.305 denars for four months.

The value of the Trade Union Minimum Basket for the month of April 2026 is 68.797,00 denars, compared to the value of the Trade Union Minimum Basket for the month of March 2026 which was 67.818,00 denars, there is an obvious conclusion that it has increased by 979 denars. With a rented apartment of 60 m2 for the month of March, the value of the Trade Union Minimum Basket is 84.172,00 denars.

The increase in the value of the Trade Union Minimum Basket starting from the beginning of the year or for the four months of January, February, March and April 2026 is 3.305,00 denars.

The Federation of Trade Unions of Macedonia, together with thousands of workers, demanded an increase in the minimum wage through Workers’ Protest on January 28 and March 14, but the Government and employers did not accept the request and adjusted the minimum wage only by 1.667 denars, making it to be 26.046 denars.

Today, the part for the food and beverages in the Trade Union Minimum Basket alone amounts to 26.085 denars, or one minimum wage is not enough for "bread and water", and 2.6 minimum wages are needed just to cover the basic living expenses.

But despite all the above, there were also those who fought against the increase in the minimum wage…