The ZSSS trade union confederation today presented their demands for this year. Semolič said he expects that a new social agreement will be adopted, given that negotiations have entered their final phase, which means that the time has come to address the issue of taxes, benefits, minimum wage deals etc.

“Our politicians should ask themselves what they can give to people rather than what they can take from them,” the union leader stressed. He also regrets the fact that international institutions such as the EU, IMF and rating agencies – rather than our MPs – were the ones in charge of administering measures to pull the country out of the crisis. “We want to choose a different path. We want our politicians to be just as determined in their efforts to recapitalize our standard of living as they were in their efforts to recapitalize the banks.”

Looking to adjust pensions
The ZSSS demand that the government adjust pensions to GDP growth, given that Slovenia’s GDP has risen. They also urged that minimum wage laws be redefined, as they do not cover extra pay for night or holiday work.

Addressing labour market anomalies
ZSSS secretary general Goran Lukič said that certain anomalies in the labour market need to be eliminated this year, e.g. voluntary internships and work permits for migrant workers. According to Lukič, workers' rights violations are still widespread because employers have become more “creative”, while Slovenia does not have enough labour inspectors.

Gregor Cerar, MMC;
translated by D.V.