Ljupka Apostolovska reports on political interference and the struggle for independent trade unions in Macedonia.
In every democratic society, free and independent trade unions serve as one of the most vital pillars of social justice. They are the voice of workers, the defenders of rights, and a counterbalance to the power of employers and governments. When this independence is compromised, the very essence of democracy and fair labour relations is placed in jeopardy.
In Macedonia, the independence of the trade union movement is under serious and coordinated attack. The right-wing government has adopted a range of political, legal and administrative strategies to undermine genuine trade unionism. These strategies include manipulating legislation, creating yellow unions loyal to political authorities, and systematically pressuring workers to abandon independent unions. The aim of these actions is to silence critical voices, to weaken collective representation, and to transform the system of social dialogue into a tool for consolidating political control.
Legal Manipulation: Changing the Rules of Representation
One of the most striking examples of this interference is the government’s recent amendment to the Law on Labour Relations. Previously, trade unions were required to represent at least 10% of the workforce in a given sector to be recognised as representative. Representative status is not merely symbolic; it grants unions the legal right to participate in the Economic and Social Council, which is the highest national tripartite body, responsible for developing labour policies, wage standards, and social protection mechanisms.
The government quietly amended the law to lower the threshold from 10% to 5%. One might think that that the change would make it easier for smaller unions to gain recognition and participate in decision-making. But in practice, the purpose of this change was far from increasing democratic inclusion. It was a strategically calculated move to ensure that a newly formed, government-backed yellow union could quickly reach the required percentage and gain representative status.
This new “union” was not born from the struggles, sacrifices, or collective interests of workers. It is supported by the government itself, and structured and politically protected with the clear goal of displacing independent unions, especially in the public sector. By lowering the threshold, the authorities ensured that this politically loyal organisation could quickly be declared representative, regardless of its legitimacy or history of defending workers’ rights.
The Real Target: Independent Trade Unions
For decades, independent trade unions in Macedonia have represented the true interests of public service workers. Our union in particular, the Trade Union of the workers from the administration, judiciary and citizens’ associations of Republic of Macedonia, has been at the forefront of defending the rights of employees across the administration, judiciary, and other public institutions. Through strikes, protests, negotiations, and public advocacy, we have continuously fought for fair wages, secure employment, and respect for workers’ dignity.
However, as our union’s influence and credibility has grown, so have the government’s efforts to suppress it. Rather than engaging in constructive dialogue or addressing the legitimate concerns of public servants, the authorities have chosen to attack the messenger. Under the pretext of ‘modernizing’ labor relations, the government has launched a systematic campaign of intimidation and destabilization against our union and its members.
Daily Pressure on Workers
Every day, public servants across the country are subjected to coercion and intimidation intended to force them to resign from our union. Supervisors and managers, acting under political influence, regularly pressure employees to sign withdrawal forms or risk professional consequences. Those who refuse to comply face retaliation in the form of transfers to less desirable positions, demotions, exclusion from internal benefits and opportunities, and even open hostility from management.
This behaviuor is not only unethical; it directly violates international labor standards. The International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention No. 87 on Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organize, which Macedonia has ratified, clearly prohibits any form of interference by public authorities in the internal affairs of trade unions. Moreover, the right to freedom of association, as guaranteed by Article 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights, is also violated. This article protects the right of every individual to freely form and join associations, including trade unions, for the protection of their interests. The imposed restrictions on trade union organization and representation therefore not only breach international labour standards under ILO Convention No. 87, but also constitute a violation of fundamental human rights recognised at the European level.
Yet in Macedonia today, thousands of public servants find themselves caught between loyalty to their union and fear for their livelihoods. The government’s message is clear: if you want to keep your job, you must abandon your independence. As a result, many workers are forced to join both unions, despite their preference to stay with just one, leading to financial strain as they are burdened with paying two membership fees.
The Politics Behind the Pressure
These acts of intimidation are not an isolated phenomenon. They form part of a broader political strategy to neutralise opposition within the labour movement. The current right-wing government views independent unions as a threat because they expose corruption, speak out against unfair reforms, and challenge decisions that harm workers. On the other hand, the newly created yellow union offers a convenient tool. Its leadership is composed of individuals closely connected with the right-wing government, which undermines the independence and integrity of trade union representation. The primary purpose of this organisation appears to be the endorsement and approval of government policies, rather than the genuine protection of workers’ rights. Once this union gains representative status which, under the new 5% rule, is now easily achievable, it will occupy seats at the negotiation table, replacing authentic workers’ representatives with political loyalists.
This is clearly demonstrated by the union’s recent actions. It has publicly opposed raising the minimum wage, failed to participate in public demonstrations on Labour Day, and has not organised any forums or initiatives to address workers’ concerns. These behaviours serve as concrete evidence that the union’s leadership prioritises government alignment over the protection of workers’ rights, confirming that its main function is to approve government policies rather than advocate independently for employees. In this way, the government can control social dialogue while maintaining the illusion of democratic consultation. Instead of facing resistance from strong unions that demand accountability and better conditions, the authorities will negotiate with themselves through their proxy organisation.
The Consequences for Workers and Democracy
The implications of these developments extend far beyond trade union politics. What is at stake is the very nature of democracy and governance in Macedonia. When the state manipulates labour laws to favour politically controlled organisations, it undermines the independence of civil society. When workers are coerced into abandoning their chosen unions, it violates their fundamental rights. When a government uses state power to silence criticism, it erodes public trust in institutions.
A trade union that merely echoes the government’s policies cannot defend workers. It becomes a tool for political propaganda, legitimising poor decisions and masking social inequality. Such a situation leads to the collapse of genuine social dialogue, the fundament of democratic labour relations, and replaces it with a facade designed to serve those in power. Unfortunately, the victims of this process are ordinary workers. Instead of having unions that fight for better wages, safer workplaces, and fair treatment, they are left with organisations that prioritise political loyalty over social justice.
The Human Cost
Behind the legal and political manoeuvres are real people, public servants who dedicate their careers to serving society. Many of them joined our union because they believed in fairness, transparency, and collective strength. Today, they face an unbearable dilemma: either remain faithful to their principles and risk professional retaliation or submit to pressure and abandon their beliefs.
Stories from across the country reveal the human cost of these actions. Workers share experiences of being called into offices and told to sign resignation letter of our union “voluntarily.” Others are not allowed to attend union meetings and activities because of their union choice. An anonymous public servant has reported:
Upon signing my employment contract, the Minister of the Ministry where I am currently employed gave me an application form for the yellow union and indicated that I was expected to complete and sign it.
Such tactics breed fear and silence, the conditions that authoritarian governance thrives on. They destroy the spirit of solidarity that trade unions are built upon and replace it with collective distrust in unionism.
Internal Betrayal: Right-Wing Aligned Members Undermine Union Independence
Driven by the influence of right-wing politics, the integrity and strength of our union also has been undermined from within. Cynically, certain individuals holding official positions in our union, such as shop stewards, have turned against us due to their political alignment, pressuring members in their workplaces to leave the union which they represent. In one local municipality, an accountant arbitrarily stopped deducting membership fees from all union members in order to stop their union membership. These actions are being carried out under the influence of the right-wing government, which appears to be actively working to weaken the financial stability of our union.
Despite these challenges, our union remains committed to defending workers’ rights and maintaining independence. We believe that no amount of political pressure can erase the principles of solidarity, equality, and justice that define the labour movement. We continue to advocate at both national and international levels, raising awareness among European institutions and global trade union federations about the government’s interference. To safeguard our union and its members, we are utilising all available tools, from pursuing legal action through the courts, to applying public pressure to ensure accountability for those responsible.
Macedonia’s Struggle for Union Freedom
The fight for union independence in Macedonia is not merely a struggle for workers’ rights. It is a battle for the essence of democracy itself. The government’s interference in trade unions, through the creation of yellow unions, manipulation of labour laws, and intimidation tactics, seeks to silence the voice of the working class. If independent unions are weakened or destroyed, workers lose their most powerful tool for defending their rights. Without genuine social dialogue, there can be no fair wages, no decent working conditions, and no justice in the workplace.
This battle is far from over. The public servants of Macedonia are not alone in this fight. With courage, unity, and international solidarity, we can push back against government interference. The collective will of workers, determined to defend their dignity and rights, is a force that no regime can permanently suppress. Freedom of association is not a privilege granted by those in power, but a fundamental right earned through struggle and protected by law. The public servants of Macedonia, and our independent union, deserve nothing less than full respect for that right.
Ljupka Apostolovska is an officer of the Trade Union of the Workers’ from the Administration, Judiciary and Citizens’ Associations of the Republic of Macedonia (Trade Union of UPOZ).