Podgorica, (MINA) – The expiry of the General Collective Agreement (GCA) must not be an excuse for unpaid wages and denial of rights that workers have exercised for years, the Media Trade Union of Montenegro (SMCG) stated.

SMCG welcomed the decision of some media sector employers, which, even after the expiration of GCA, continued to pay increased daily wages for working on Sundays and during holidays, as well as overtime and night work.

They also welcomed the fact that all media outlets, members of SMCG, have continued the practice of paying working on Sunday and holidays.

SMCG stated expressed expectation that other media sector employers would follow suit, adding that they were surprised that Radio Television of Montenegro (RTCG), which has the most substantial budget of EUR 26 million, intends not to pay its employees increased daily wages for working on Sundays.

As pointed out, the national public broadcaster, which signed this Monday a new collective agreement, can and must show more sensitivity towards those who perform the work of public interest on weekends.