North Macedonia Ranked Fourth Worst Country Globally for Workers’ Rights, Warns ITUC

The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), in its annual report “Global Rights Index,” has ranked North Macedonia as the fourth worst country in the world for systematic violations of workers’ rights, placing it second to last in this negative ranking.

The report highlights that among the worst conditions for workers since the inception of the index are the practices of establishing “Yellow Unions” by employers, with North Macedonia cited as a clear negative example in this regard.

The Federation of Trade Unions of Macedonia (FTUM) has repeatedly warned about the dangers of such unions, which, often formed under political orders, coerce workers into joining, undermine Collective Agreements, and significantly diminish workers’ rights. Instead of protecting workers, these “Yellow Unions” serve the interests of management and fail to improve working conditions or wage growth.

A recent example of concern is the artificial lowering of the threshold for determining union representation from 10% to 5%, facilitating the strengthening of influence by these “Yellow Unions.”

As a full member of ITUC, FTUM reaffirms its unwavering commitment to defending and advancing workers’ rights in North Macedonia, calling for increased awareness and unity in the fight against these destructive practices.

Flaka Media