The Social-Economic Council adopted a decision to set the minimum labour price per hour at RSD 115 as of April 1, according to which the minimum wage would total RSD 20.010.

The council established the amount of the minimum wage on March 12, and the increase should be felt among at least 142.000 workers who have so far been getting salaries of around RSD 17.740 per month.

The agreed minimum labour price applies to all business positions in sectors where collective branches agreements have been signed, that is in agriculture, food industry, construction industry, chemical industry and non-metal and metal industry.

The officials of the Union of Employers of Serbia (UPS) claim that an increase in minimum labour price would trigger a new wave of dismissals in Serbia's economy.

UPS claims that Serbia's economy does not have the funds to pay increased employee benefits and this is why they think the decision should be revised.

According to URS calculations, around 50.000 to 60.000 employees in companies which accepted collective branch agreements could end up jobless due to the increase.

According to URS calculations, around 50.000 to 60.000 employees in companies which accepted collective branch agreements could end up jobless due to the increase.