PRISHTINA, May 1 /ATA/ – Private sector workers in Kosovo held a May Day protest on Wednesday demanding a minimum monthly wage of 600 euros, collective bargaining rights, health insurance, and the establishment of a labour court.
The Trade Union Federation of Technical Workers of Kosovo’s Private Sector joined the protest in Prishtina on International Workers’ Day.
Union leader Jusuf Azemi said workers are being treated like slaves, adding that they currently earn an average of 230 euros per month and warned of a general strike starting September 1 if wages are not increased.
“We cannot survive with the current salaries. In Kosovo, private sector workers still receive a salary of 230 euros,” Hafije Statovci from the Union said.
Protesters criticized wage disparities between workers and lawmakers and called for improved labour protections. Kosovo’s private sector workers often face low pay and limited social benefits compared to regional standards.
According to the latest data from Kosovo’s Tax Administration the average monthly salary is 702 euros. Private sector is accounted for the largest share of employment rate in the country with more than 300 000 employees.
Kosovo’s unemployment rate currently stands at 10.7%.
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