Article 236 of the Labor Relations Law specifies that only trade unions and their higher-level associations may legally call a strike. Strikes organized by non-unionized workers are considered illegal.
This marks the second time a strike has been banned in democratic North Macedonia. The first occurred in 2012, when doctors at the Clinical Center were prohibited from striking due to concerns about maintaining essential services. The second involved air traffic controllers, whose announced strike was recently blocked by court order.
Authorities emphasize that strikes must follow a legal procedure, be formally announced to employers, and may not disrupt critical services.
The Federation of Trade Unions stated that strikes are the “greatest democratic act” when properly conducted. They noted that over a hundred strikes and protests have been organized in compliance with the law, including the appointment of mediators for peaceful resolution of labor disputes, without facing legal bans.
