Exporters warn of protests / "We are going bankrupt, unemployment will increase"

2023-12-21 11:43:00, Aktualitet CNA

Exporters warn of protests / "We are going bankrupt, unemployment will

Illustrative photo

Exporting and manufacturing companies warn that in the first days of January they will go out in protest, for the current situation in which they are.

According to them, the loss of competitiveness, the decrease in the value of sales due to the weakening of the euro and the increase in direct costs influenced by inflation are pushing the vast majority of exporters towards bankruptcy.

On December 20, 2023, a meeting was organized between the Representatives of the exporting groups and the Representatives of the Trade Unions - Organizations and Civil Society that protect the rights of employees.

Exporting and manufacturing companies, according to their financial indicators, are producing less and will also offer less products for sale. it also means companies need fewer employees and layoffs are often resulting.

Everything that is happening in the export manufacturing economy is affecting the labor market.

The loss of competitiveness of exporters, the decline in the value of sales from the rapid strengthening of the Lek and the increase in direct costs and the impact of inflation on daily expenses are rapidly creating an unfavorable environment to continue and are forcing the vast majority of exporters close the activities and apply for passive status.

This drastic measure forced by the accumulation of losses and by the lack of clarity for the market in the coming year will create an effect in increasing unemployment by at least 6% from the current level, where mainly the greatest unemployment will be felt in employees and young people.

Union representatives expressed support by appreciating the fact that exporting companies maintain economic and employment balances. A growing concern is also the need to really measure the impacts and effects of this situation in the economy, in social life and in the budget of the state and that of businesses, accurate official statistics are needed in real time and serve as a common basis of social dialogue between the parties.

Consequently, these workers and businesses are left alone and the Government unfortunately sees this economic problem and the current crisis only through two approaches: that of leaving the market to address the problems, considering it as a failure of the business model, as well as treating it according to the legal framework for unemployment and for the offer of work in other sectors if there is a mass closure of production and export activities.

The current crisis has also highlighted an extraordinary weakness of the Institutions' preparation to face such cases on the verge of closing an entire sector through the creation of special funds to be used for periods of sector crises or crises caused by lack of coordination between institutions and unfinished tasks for a competitive environment and with market rules of a free economy.

Now the moment has come, when we are all feeling the crisis. In this extreme situation, an awareness of the competent institutions would be needed to prepare, realizing how difficult it is to deal with such moments.

Potentially, each of us is in great need of institutional support in case of loss of business and consequent loss of jobs. Therefore, confronting and exhausting all arguments through institutional tables is a social and economic necessity for our country, and it will be proposed that the discussion and proposals for dialogue on the situation be decided at the first meeting of the National Labor Council.

As a first and urgent measure, the continuation of the technical tables and finding solutions to overcome the situation is required.

In the meantime, other escalating measures will continue to be discussed, where determination and multilateral cooperation are key, it has been decided to develop together with the Trade Unions and the employees of the exporting sectors "Protests in front of the Prime Minister's Office" in the first days of January. / Monitor