The Slovenian National Assembly has adopted an amendment to the Labor Market Regulation Act introducing a transitional period for the abolition of higher unemployment benefits for cross-border workers. The amendment was prepared at the suggestion of the Trade Union of Slovenian Migrant Workers, which had threatened to launch a referendum if the issue was not resolved.

Cross-border workers had expressed strong opposition to a provision in the September amendment that abolished the rule allowing them to receive a higher maximum unemployment benefit. The Labor Ministry had argued that this exception was no longer necessary following the general increase in unemployment benefits for all workers earlier this year.

The dispute was eventually settled by a transitional clause, which states that the abolished provision will remain in force until the general unemployment benefit exceeds the current level of EUR 1,785.

Prior to the recent amendment, cross-border workers who had been employed in other EU or EEA Member States or Switzerland were entitled to a higher unemployment benefit during the first three months of unemployment, provided that such entitlement existed in their previous country of employment.

With the abolition of this rule, workers who pay higher social contributions abroad found themselves at a disadvantage compared to those employed in Slovenia, where contribution rates are lower. This led the union to start collecting signatures for a referendum on the law.

Following negotiations between the coalition and the union, an agreement was reached to introduce a transitional solution, and the union subsequently withdrew its referendum initiative.

The outcome shows that constructive dialogue and cooperation with trade unions can lead to balanced solutions in the interest of both sides, especially for those who earn their living across borders.

The amendment passed overwhelmingly, with 58 out of 59 MPs voting in favor and none against.

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