Cabinet approves Bills on public sector wage, spirits drinks, discusses Law on foreigners

Podgorica, Montenegro (5 November 2015) -- Continuing the process of fiscal consolidation, the Montenegrin Cabinet approved at today's session the Public Sector Wage Bill.

Reform of the wage system is aimed at harmonising wages in all segments of the public sector according to the same principles for officials, employees in the public administration at state and local levels, companies owned by the state and local governments, regulatory agencies and other institutions and bodies which perform public affairs.

The new law introduces a unique concept for the calculation of earnings in all segments of the public sector. The objective of the proposed standards is to establish better control over the public sector and its wage policy, correct inequalities in earnings depending on the branch of the government, and harmonise the level of salaries with the level of accountability, increase transparency in the wage system and the level of fiscal responsibility. The adoption of this law will further cut public spending and ensure equal conditions for achieving the same level of earnings for the same or similar jobs in all public institutions.

The government also endorsed the information on the imlementation of the Law on Foreigners, which analyses the current situation in the field of employment and work of foreigners in Montenegro. The Government tasked the competent bodies and institutions to provide effective procedures for implementing the law in order to avoid creating unnecessary administrative barriers for engaging foreigners in shortage occupations. At the same time, the Government confirmed its commitment to ensure, through a process of continuous structural reforms and active policy measures in the domestic labour market, a more competitive labour supply adjusted to the needs of the Montenegrin economy and requirements of employers.

Bearing in mind this is a very complex issue of political, economic and social nature, the Government will provide mechanisms for strong inter-agency coordination and control over the implementation of the law and prevention of potential abuse.

Within the process of harmonisation of the national legislation with that of the European Union, the Government adopted the Bill on Spirit Drinks. Its adoption will establish international standards in production and quality control of alcoholic drinks, create conditions for fair international trade, consumer protection, fraud prevention, and harmonise the criteria for the grant and protection of geographical indications, with a view to their European and international protection.

Among other things, the government adopted a report on the implementation of the Action Plan of the Strategy of NGOs development in Montenegro for the period 2014 - 2016. In that regard, he Government tasked relevant departments to propose a model of financing programmes and projects in areas of public interest carried out by nongovernmental organisations and intensify activities towards the Action Plan’s implementation.