Montenegro's labour landscape could undergo a significant shift with the planned introduction of a seven-hour workday by year's end. The announcement was made by Naida Nišić, the Minister of Labor and Social Welfare.
Nišić emphasized that the change reinforces campaign pledges made by Prime Minister Milojko Sajić. She underscored that the move would not lead to the abolishment of social benefits or the Pension and Disability Insurance Fund (PIO). However, she indicated that reforms to the PIO are likely.
Preserving Social Programs
"No one has ever mentioned the abolition of the PIO Fund, nor will it happen," Nišić stated. She assured that decisions related to the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare will be made in agreement with the Social Council.
The ministry is currently analysing data on proportionate pensions. Nišić noted progress in establishing agreements with neighbouring countries like Albania, and soon Bosnia and Herzegovina, which will facilitate the exchange of pension-related data and address past injustices for pensioners with cross-border work histories.
Nišić stressed that existing social benefits will continue and be distributed with greater fairness. "We are here to improve the standard of our citizens, not to collapse it in any way," she said.
