BSPK calls for implementation of government commitments to workers

The United Trade Union of Kosovo (BSPK) has welcomed the formation of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo, expressing hope that the new mandate will strengthen cooperation between institutions and social partners.

On behalf of the BSPK, its chairman, Atdhe Hykolli, congratulated the Government on its constitution, the presentation of the government cabinet and the submission of the Government Programme.

The union described as positive the commitments addressing the economic and social situation of employees. In this context, it singled out the 14th salary for public-sector employees and the exemption from taxation of the minimum wage of 500 euros.

However, the BSPK stressed that the value of these promises would be determined by how they are implemented in practice.

“For the BSPK, the importance of these commitments will be measured by their implementation and their real impact on the lives of employees,” the union said in a statement.

The BSPK called for the constitution of the Economic and Social Council (ESC) to also be completed in the coming days, as it considers the operationalization of this mechanism essential for the development of social dialogue.

According to the union, negotiations on the General Collective Agreement should begin immediately after the ESC becomes operational.

“This is precisely where the strength of social dialogue should be seen—not merely in commitments and meetings, but in negotiated, signed and enforceable agreements,” the BSPK stressed.

Chairman Hykolli believes that a functioning democracy is not limited to the establishment of institutions, but also requires the participation of legitimate workers’ representatives in the drafting of public policies.

“This is the European standard of social partnership, and this should also be our direction,” Hykolli said.

The BSPK announced that it is ready to cooperate with the institutions, with the aim of ensuring that social dialogue delivers concrete benefits and results for workers.

“The formalization of the ESC and the General Collective Agreement should become the clearest evidence that social partnership is functioning for the benefit of workers and the country’s development,” the BSPK statement concluded.