Acting Minister of Finance, Hekuran Murati, addressed the media following a meeting with representatives of private sector workers’ unions and economic chambers regarding the increase of the minimum wage.
Murati described the gathering as part of the ongoing social dialogue on wage policy, saying he had listened carefully to the proposals and suggestions presented by both sides.
“During this meeting, I heard the proposals and suggestions of union representatives who supported the increase of the minimum wage, as well as the recommendations from business representatives emphasizing the need for more consultation and a gradual implementation of the new wage level,” Murati stated.
However, earlier in the day, the Kosovo Chamber of Commerce announced that it did not participate in the meeting organized by the Ministry of Finance. The Chamber criticized the government, claiming that no genuine and inclusive dialogue had taken place over the past four years between the business community and state institutions.
Despite expectations, Murati did not confirm whether the new minimum wage would be set at €500, as had been claimed by Jusuf Azemi, head of the Private Sector Workers’ Union, after the meeting.
Murati emphasized that the minimum wage is an essential tool designed to protect workers from unfair labor practices and to establish a legal baseline for hourly compensation.
“At the same time, any increase in the minimum wage must take into account market conditions and the absorption capacity of enterprises. As a government, we raised the minimum wage for the first time after more than a decade of stagnation and promised annual reviews. I will carefully consider all recommendations before submitting the new proposal for approval,” he said.
The minister concluded by thanking all participants for their “valuable contribution” to what he called a constructive discussion.
