Podgorica, (MINA-BUSINESS) – The parliamentary group of the Democrats has submitted amendments to the Labour Law that would introduce the right to a long weekend once a month, with the aim of further improving workers’ rights and enhancing the quality of working life in Montenegro.

Democrats MP Dusko Stjepovic said the proposed legislation would give employees in Montenegro the right to a day off on the Friday preceding the last weekend of each month, creating an official long weekend once a month.

“A new Article 76a, entitled ‘Long Weekend Once a Month,’ would be added after Article 76 of the Labour Law. In the week preceding the last weekend of the month, an employee would be entitled to a non-working Friday, that is, a 24-hour rest period taken on Friday, which would be combined with the rest period provided under Article 76 of this law and used continuously,” Stjepovic told a press conference.

According to Stjepovic, the proposal marks a modern and responsible step forward in labour rights, aimed at protecting employees’ physical and mental health, strengthening work-life balance, and creating conditions for greater motivation and productivity in the workplace.

“Modern research confirms that longer periods of rest help reduce stress and burnout, increase employee satisfaction, and positively affect work efficiency. That is why we believe the state has a duty to continue improving labour standards and to follow modern trends in work organization,” Stjepovic said.

The Democrats’ parliamentary group believes that the proposed measure could also generate significant social and economic benefits by strengthening family ties, increasing citizens’ participation in cultural, sporting, and social activities, and providing an additional boost to domestic tourism and local economies.