How much is the minimum wage in North Macedonia really worth? - It does not cover the basic needs of families. Food prices, over 30% increase
On paper, the minimum wage in North Macedonia is 24,379 denars, or about 397 euros. But in reality, when you add up all the numbers, like prices, bills, rent, and food, it's worth less than ever.
Data from the State Statistical Office shows that the minimum union consumption basket for a family of four amounts to over 50,000 denars or 813 euros. This means that for basic needs, the lowest wage covers only half of what a family actually needs.
Economists explain that the real value of the minimum wage is "eaten up" by inflation.
"In the last three years, food prices have increased by over 30%. This means that with the same money you can buy significantly less today than in 2021. The real wage, in fact, has fallen by at least 15%," experts say.
Just on basic products, such as bread, milk, meat, eggs, vegetables, a family of four spends more than 325 euros per month. This figure does not include medicines, fuel, transportation, or school supplies.
Employers, on the other hand, say it is not easy to raise wages without consequences for companies. “The problem is twofold,” says one small factory owner. “If we raise the minimum wage, we have to raise all wages. And we are already working with a small margin, electricity and transportation are more expensive, and in the end it turns out that the state is not helping either party.”
But unions claim that it is a “classic refrain” heard for years. “A worker cannot live on the verge of poverty while bosses collect profits and buy new cars,” union members react. They demand that the minimum wage be in line with the real consumer basket, as is done in most European countries.
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