Trade Union Consumer Basket in Montenegro: Two Average Salaries Needed for a Decent Life!
Did you know that a family of four in Montenegro needs to earn two average salaries just to survive? The Trade Union Consumer Basket (SPK) for the second quarter of this year amounts to 2.01 thousand euros, which is a 0.5% increase or 10 euros more compared to the first quarter. This is not just a number – it’s a wake-up call for all of us!
What is the Trade Union Consumer Basket? The SPK is a study conducted by the Center for Education, Information, and Trade Union Research (CEISI) under the Union of Free Trade Unions of Montenegro (USSCG). It covers ten categories of expenses necessary for a decent life. In the second quarter of this year, changes were recorded in two categories: food costs increased by 15 euros or 2.44%, while housing and utility costs decreased by 5 euros or 2% due to reduced electricity consumption during the spring period.
Why does this matter? This means that the basic living needs of a family require more money than an average salary can cover. Two average salaries are needed just to meet the minimum conditions for a decent life. This is disheartening and shows how expensive life in Montenegro is and how low salaries are compared to costs.
Where is the problem? The increase in food and basic necessities prices has continued for two quarters now. On the other hand, the reduction in housing costs is not enough to offset the overall rise in expenses. This situation puts great pressure on workers and their families struggling to make ends meet.
What do the unions say? The Union of Free Trade Unions of Montenegro emphasizes the need to raise wages and improve working conditions so people can live decently. The current situation is unacceptable and requires urgent action from the government and employers.
Conclusion While prices rise, wages remain the same or even lower, leading to a growing gap between citizens’ needs and their means. Will anyone ask how ordinary people survive? Two average salaries for basic living – this is not life, it’s a fight for bare survival.
If you’re fed up with these numbers and want to share your thoughts or experiences, feel free to drop a comment. Maybe together we can make some noise and spark change!
