Workers demand justice
In a challenging climate for workers, protests took place on May 1 in Kosovo.
On May 1, dozens of citizens gathered yesterday in the center of Prishtina to mark International Workers’ Day, calling for better working conditions, fair wages and dignity in the workplace.
Under the motto “Equality, work and a dignified life,” the protest brought together students, retirees, workers, trade unionists and activists from diverse backgrounds.
The protest, which began in Skanderbeg Square and ended in front of the government building, was organized by the Collective for Feminist Thought and Action, the Përpjekja social center, independent activists and workers’ unions, as part of a broad social collaboration.
By bringing together different generations, feminists and trade unionists, the organizers aimed to highlight not only the diversity of workers’ struggles in Kosovo, but also the importance of recognizing the intersections of identities and social roles within these efforts.
“This May 1, we declare that we can only confront these oppressions by organizing politically, standing in solidarity with workers and vulnerable social groups and raising our voices in revolt,” states the statement posted on social media. “Emphasizing the need for cross-sectoral organization, including paid and unpaid workers, the self-employed, the unemployed, retirees and students, we call for May 1 to be a day of vocal resistance, marked by revolt, hope and determination — to defend our dignity, our lives and to make justice and equality the foundation of our social organization.”
In the days leading up to the protest, organizers used social media to highlight the difficult working conditions in Kosovo and the reasons behind the demonstration. One of the main concerns raised was workplace safety, particularly in the construction sector, where 10 workers have lost their lives since the beginning of 2025. Meanwhile, the Kosovo Police have reported 37 cases related to workplace safety risks.
Protesters highlighted stagnant wages, which have remained low despite rising inflation, as well as long working hours without proper compensation. They also addressed the additional unpaid burden, such as housework and caregiving for children, the elderly or other family members that fall on women. Attention was also drawn to the ongoing marginalization of LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities and members of the Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities in the labor market — many of whom face structural barriers to employment or are forced to work under unfair and exploitative conditions due to their identity.
The punishment of workers who organize or go on strike to demand their legally guaranteed rights was also highlighted. One example highlighted was the strike that began in September 2024 by maintenance workers at the Kosovo Assembly. They demanded an increase in their monthly salary from 275 to 500 euros and reported a series of daily workplace violations committed by either the contracted company or administrative staff. Their salary of 275 euros remained below the gross minimum wage of 350 euros, which came into effect in October 2024.
On April 29, shortly before the protest, activists staged a symbolic action near the entrance of the Labor Inspectorate, placing a letter on the door labeled “Privatized Institution.” Through this gesture, they criticized the lack of institutional response in protecting workers’ rights.
“Workers are exploited, mistreated and often forced to work in inhumane conditions, while the Chief Inspectorate acts like a private employee rather than a defender of workers’ rights,” their statement read.
Systematic violations of workers’ rights were also documented in a report published in April by the Kosovo Initiative for Stability (IKS), which focused on labor abuses in Kosovo’s industrial zones — specifically in Prishtina, Gjilan, Prizren and Ferizaj. Based on interviews with 225 workers across 45 companies, the report revealed that 59.3% of respondents had experienced wage informality — with 46.6% reporting that they were paid partly through bank transfers and partly in cash.
Informal employment continues to expose workers to issues such as unstable income, lower pensions and unpaid labor — with women being disproportionately affected. According to a 2024 analysis by the Kosovo Women’s Network, 42% of Kosovars were engaged in informal work in 2022. Women were nearly twice as likely as men to be involved in such work, making up 65% of all informal workers.
Another IKS report, published in January and focused on gender discrimination in employment in Kosovo, revealed that women face serious obstacles — including gender-based discrimination and sexual harassment — in their efforts to access equal employment opportunities. The report also noted that women continue to have low trust in existing reporting mechanisms.
Amid slogans such as “Every woman is a working woman,” “We work, they earn” and “We want a wage increase,” the protest on May 1 called for change in this bleak reality for workers.
Donika Elshani
“I am one of the co-initiators of the Kosovo Boycott campaign. For several months now, I’ve been closely following the rising prices and the injustices taking place. This protest is simply a continuation of my ongoing commitment. I came out today in solidarity with the workers of Kosovo, whose rights are being violated every day and to stand behind everything my fellow protesters are voicing. I’m glad to be here, surrounded by people who share the same sense of injustice — though I did expect a larger turnout. This is an issue that should bring every one of us into the streets.”
Medinë Dauti
“Today I joined the protest to exercise my right to demonstrate and to make my body present in this act of resistance — to show that all workers deserve a life of dignity. I also came out to raise my voice against capitalism and the oligarchs who oppress workers. By simply being physically present at the protest is, in itself, an act of revolt — a demand for a better, more dignified life for everyone who works.”
Arif Mulolli
“The management neither respects us nor do we have proper working conditions — nothing at all. It’s only us, the workers, who work hard for the people, day and night — and still, it's all for nothing.”
Photos: Ferdi Limani / K2.0
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- This story was originally written in Albanian.