The Federation of Trade Unions of Macedonia (SSM) is satisfied from the agreement on the minimum salary with economic-social partners, promising that the lowest salary in Macedonia will be higher than the minimum one.

"The agreement represents a great victory of trade unions in Macedonia, because we have managed, after 20 years of negotiations, to reach an agreement with social partners on the minimum salary", said SSM president Zivko Mitrevski at Tuesday's press conference.

He stressed that the law would contribute to increase of the labor price of about 65,000 workers.

"The minimum salary in Macedonia will not amount to Denar 8,050, since it has been determined that the minimum salary shall amount to 39 percent of the average salary in the economy. Thus, increase of salaries in the economy will result in higher minimum salary", said Mitrevski.

According to him, the minimum salary amount comes as a result of long-standing negotiations and research, aimed at preventing the release of workers.

"Macedonia has a bigger minimum salary compared to Spain, Slovakia, Czech Republic and Croatia", added the SSM president.

The Law on Minimum Salary should enter into force in 2012, whereas its violation stipulates sanctions for employers.