Albanian citizens took to the streets on 1 May, International Workers’ Day to protest for labour rights and higher wages, particularly amid the current cost of living price increases.
Groups of protestors of all ages joined the march from Skanderbeg Square to the Prime Minister’s Office in the capital of Tirana. They held placards and banners demanding better rights and equality.
“This system has made it impossible for the honest man and if electoral reform does not change everything, our situation will be the same. It is a shame that today we seek electricity and water. This did not happen because of common people, but the leaders of the country,” one protestor, a returned emigrant, told the media.
Albania remains one of Europe’s poorest countries with one third of people living below the poverty line. The minimum wage, some EUR 240, is one of the lowest in the region while many work for less in the large, informal economy.
The country also struggles with enforcing labour rights, safe working conditions, and other work-related issues.
A recent report on Albania’s compliance with the European Social Charter found multiple failures in areas such as occupational health, health and safety at work, consultation with unions, protection for temporary workers, and more.
https://exit.al/en/2022/03/23/albania-breaches-social-charter-on-health-and-workers-rights/
