Srđa Keković, General Secretary of the Union of Free Trade Unions of Montenegro (USSCG), called for restoring the retirement age policy to what it was previously: mandatory retirement at 67 years of age, while allowing those who wish to retire at 65.
He noted that across Europe, life expectancy and years spent in retirement are increasing, prompting many countries to raise the retirement age. For example, Denmark plans to increase the retirement age to 70 by 2040 and to 74 by 2060. Montenegro once aligned its retirement policies with European standards, setting retirement eligibility at 65 with at least 15 years of work experience.
Currently, Montenegrin labor law allows civil servants to work until 67, and others in the real sector until 66. However, recent changes lowered the retirement age in the real sector from 67 to 66, with even earlier retirement (as young as 59) for those in jobs with special work conditions. Keković criticized this as a setback and urged a return to the previous standard where retirement by law occurs at 67, with voluntary retirement at 65.
He also highlighted that while some countries have no fixed retirement age, setting a limit helps open jobs for younger workers. Those who feel capable can continue working privately beyond the retirement age.
On the topic of work hours, Keković emphasized the growing movement across Europe to reduce the workday to seven hours, improving work-life balance and increasing worker efficiency. The traditional eight-hour workday, established 140 years ago, no longer fits modern realities shaped by technology and stress.
He advocated for a seven-hour workday with a five-day workweek, allowing most workers (except shift workers in essential 24-hour services) to enjoy weekends off, improving quality of life.
In summary, Keković called for:
- Restoring retirement at 67 as mandatory, with optional retirement at 65
- Addressing inconsistencies in current retirement age laws
- Supporting younger workers by opening up job opportunities
- Introducing a seven-hour workday and five-day workweek to enhance work-life balance
