World Day of Dignified Work Celebrated with Readiness to Close Chapter 19

Montenegro celebrates the World Day of Dignified Work with a significantly improved system for protecting workers' rights, stronger labor market institutions, and legislation aligned with the highest European and international standards. The country is also prepared to close Chapter 19 Social Policy and Employment. For the Ministry of Labor, Employment, and Social Dialogue, closing this chapter is not just another step on Montenegro's European path but involves reforms that directly affect every employee and citizen seeking their place in the labor market, rights to decent and safe working conditions, fair wages, equal treatment, protection from discrimination, better work-life balance, and effective labor rights protection. In recent years, workers' rights have been further strengthened through the introduction of European standards related to transparent and predictable working conditions, equal pay for women and men for equal work or work of equal value, adequate minimum wages, employee information and consultation, and improved work-life balance. A new Law on Occupational Safety and Health was also enacted, along with over 20 subordinate acts to further align the Montenegrin system with European standards and focus more on risk prevention at the workplace. The Labor Inspection carried out 8,683 inspections, and through special action plans, efforts continue to increase the number of inspectors, their training, and modernization of the inspection system. Additionally, 31.6 million euros are available for employment, education, and social inclusion policies, preparing citizens of Montenegro for opportunities that will be accessible through the European Social Fund after joining the European Union.