Albanian activists are campaigning and gathering signatures in the hopes of getting parliament to consider introducing a living wage in the EU hopeful of 2.7 million.
Activists from the left-wing Political Organisation have been collecting signatures throughout the country and said they have so far collected 3000 out of the 22,000 needed to force parliament to consider a draft law put forward through a citizen initiative.
Their request comes as a response to the ongoing situation of poverty in Albania, which are further exacerbated by the global economic crisis. They propose to introduce a living wage for all citizens, meaning everyone is entitled by law to earn enough to cover their basic needs as defined by current prices and conditions, combined with inflation.
“Before the crisis, 10% of Albanian citizens were below the absolute poverty line and 33% were considered relatively poor. The economic crisis and the increase in prices are making life unaffordable for the vast majority of citizens “, said activist Mirela Ruko.
It would foresee a minimum of 20,000 lek (EUR 160) for pensioners, the disabled, those out of work, families on social assistance, and single parent receiving child support from the other parent. It could also impact the minimum wage, requiring it to be increased once again.
“Determining the living minimum is a basic social right, but in Albania this living minimum is not defined,” say the activists, noting they will continue canvassing for another two months to reach their goal although they expect to get the necessary numbers sooner.
According to the activists, their draft law aims to alleviate poverty and social exclusion for individuals and families in need.
“The vital minimum is a right enjoyed by the majority of peoples and countries in Europe and it is a delayed and violated right for hundreds of thousands of poor Albanians, who today according to international reports more than 50% of them are at risk to fall into poverty “, activist Klodi Leka told Exit’s partner, Citizens Channel.
But activists reported some struggles in gaining support from the public who say they are cynical of any change. Despite that, pensioners have been supportive as they struggle to survive on 15,000 lek a month (EUR 110).
“Pensioners see the initiative with more interest. But young people also want to get involved. A good part of the people who stop want to do something good for their country and for their families,” organiser Arlind Qori said. Other activists said there was also solidarity from the middle class who want to help, even if they are not struggling themselves.
Ruko added that this initiative has a significant financial cost for the government, meaning the law is likely not to be considered but they are determined to put it on the agenda.
Albania is one of Europe’s poorest countries with up to 35% of the population living in poverty and 75% at risk. Minimum wage is set at approximately EUR 240 a month, but many earn less in the informal economy.
