Director of International Labour Organisation Gay Ryder: Montenegro leader in area of social dialogue

Podgorica, Montenegro (4 June 2014) -- Montenegro's Labour Minister Predrag Bošković met earlier today in Geneva with Director General of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Guy Ryder.

The meeting paid special attention to the situation in the labor market in Montenegro, informal employment, general collective agreement, decent work, opening of the ILO’s offices and social dialogue.

The ILO Director voiced satisfaction with the activities towards eliminating informal employment and empowering employees, noting that Montenegro is a regional leader in the field of social dialogue, respect for fundamental human rights and freedoms, and promotion of employment, which was confirmed by the signing of the General Collective Agreement.

Mr Ryder announced the ILO is to open its offices in Montenegro and to continue providing support to the country.

Labour Minister Bošković informed Mr Ryder about the situation in the labour market and the outcomes of an analysis done by Montenegro’s Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, in cooperation with the UNDP, regarding informal employment, as well as future activities in terms of eliminating the phenomenon, pointing out the Montenegrin market is heavily influenced by seasonal employment and that informal employment prevails in sectors of services, trade, tourism and construction.

"The General Collective Agreement, signed in March 2014, improved the scope and structure of employees’ rights, allowing them to fully exercise them," he underlined.

The two officials agreed on the organisation of a conference on combating grey economy in labour markets next year in Montenegro, which will be supported by the ILO and attended by Mr Ryder.