The head of the Union of Private Sector Workers, Jusuf Azemi, stated that both the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance have been aware of the workers’ demands since March — and that the minimum wage should be €600.
Speaking before entering a meeting with Acting Minister of Finance Hekuran Murati, where the issue of the minimum wage will be discussed, Azemi emphasized the union’s clear position.
“We are going to the meeting to participate, but we don’t know who the key decision-makers will be. However, the Prime Minister and the Minister already have the union’s request on their desks since March — the minimum wage for private sector workers in Kosovo must be €600,” he said.
Azemi also explained why the union disagrees with the government’s potential proposal to set the wage at €500.
“The government in a caretaker role can decide on a €500 minimum wage — we appreciate the step, but we’ll keep our options open. If companies refuse to comply, we have the right to strike,” Azemi warned.
According to his analysis, based on the cost of living for a four-member family, a single person needs €2.80 per day to cover basic needs such as food, transport, cigarettes, education, and healthcare.
“You can judge for yourself how much can be achieved with €2.80 per day,” he concluded.
