10/10/2019
On October 10, 2019, at the Epinal Hotel in Bitola, organized by the MLSP and LESC Bitola, a panel discussion on the Employment Operational Plan was organized, focusing on regional and local issues, challenges and needs. This event is part of the project "Strengthening Social Dialogue" implemented by the International Labor Organization. The event was moderated by Stevo Bashurovski from Tera TV, and the panelists were Minister Mila Carovska (MLSP), ESARNM Director Biljana Jovanovska and Bitola Mayor Natasha Petrovska. Mayors from the Pelagonija-Prespa region, several businessmen, civic associations, the Trade Union and the Chamber of Employers and others were present. After the introduction and presentation of the topic, there was discussion and sharing of opinions from the participants. In general, the positive perception of the MLSP and ESARNM (Employment Service Agency of the Republic of North Macedonia) regarding this process is welcomed. However, the perceptions of the employers, the Chamber and the Syndicate remained unexplained, which, in our view, had little to say. With regard to persons with disabilities, in addition to the general guidelines, the number of about 1,600 jobseekers is not mentioned, nor are the modes of qualification (additional qualification and requalification) of these persons, of which more than 50% are without education, nor how the education system will enable the acquisition of skills that will be competitive in the labor market. And the most important observation in this sector is that there is practically no workforce for employment and that their perception is employment outside the country. Although this problem was alarmingly pointed out, it did not receive a proper response. We hope that the realization will pay the necessary attention and that appropriate solutions will be found.
