WEBVTT
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Irena
Social worker
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My motivation is seeing
a young person succeed.
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There are many happy endings.
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Mojca
Teacher
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Without teachers, the world would
be like a book without words.
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Teachers are silent architects
of the future.
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Ines
Kindergarten teacher
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I've always felt that my work
is valued
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and that I'm in the right place.
This a profession
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you carry with you.
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Žiga
Reconnaissance leader
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I'm proud of serving
and defending my homeland.
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Miha
Official
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I'm proud to help the farm sector
and preserve farming in the area.
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Lili
Employment counselor
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I like working with people
and seeing a social impact.
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I help job seekers
find their potential.
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Martin
Professional firefighter
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You always feel the adrenaline.
You never know what to expect.
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Every day is different. I've wanted
to do this since I was little.
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Matija
Meteorologist
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Being a meteorologist is the
realization of my childhood dream.
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Boštjan
Conservationist
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There's nothing better than turning
your hobby into a job.
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You need to make
your wishes come true.
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Nuša
Midwife
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The advantage of working
in healthcare
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is in filling the great need
for such work.
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Few jobs enable you to do
something positive for others
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every day.
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A Public Sector for Everyone
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Welcome to today's press conference
about the role and importance
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of public sector employees and
the wage system reform.
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The video presented ten
different public sector professions.
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We recently celebrated May Day,
a holiday of labor and workers,
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so we'll present why
the public sector serves
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as the backbone of our society
and why the reform was necessary.
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I'm joined by Public Administration
Minister Franc Props,
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Finance Minister Klemen Boštjančič
and the Director-General
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of the Public Sector Directorate
Peter Pogačar.
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The guests will present statistics
about the public sector
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and answer media questions.
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The Public Administration Minister
has the floor.
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Hello and thank you
for inviting us.
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First, some introductory words.
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We often hear comparisons
between the public
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and the private sectors,
but they're often misleading.
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Both sectors are crucial
for the functioning
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and progress of a society.
They can't work without each other.
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The employees of both sectors
conduct their work
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in a responsible, committed,
and professional manner.
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That's how the state can function
in all areas.
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We should ask ourselves why we
can't have a well-functioning state
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without a well-functioning
public sector
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and why the public sector
is so important.
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It's a service for people,
for all citizens,
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no matter where we're employed,
how old we are,
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or what our social status is.
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We all need public services.
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We tend to forget that
the public sector
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doesn't just consist
of officials.
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The largest share
is composed of teachers,
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professors, healthcare workers,
social workers,
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scientists, creative professionals,
librarians, police officers,
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soldiers, firefighters,
and many others.
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These people do the work
without which
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society couldn't function.
Therefore, it's unfair to claim
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that public sector employees
don't work.
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If this were true,
we'd all feel the consequences,
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quickly and concretely.
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Based on my own experience,
I can say that most
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employees are passionate
and highly responsible.
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This is evident at all levels
of the system.
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The data that Director-General
Peter Pogačar will present later on
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confirms that Slovenia doesn't
stand out in the number
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of public sector employees
per capita on the EU level.
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On the contrary. Many fields
that have elsewhere
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been transferred to the private
sector ares still a part
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of the public sector here,
so the stereotypes
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about an overgrown public sector
aren't true. The social framework
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is also rapidly changing.
Demographic changes,
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an aging population, digitalization,
and greater needs by the public
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require adaptation in the public
sector. As in the private sector,
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we're facing a lack of personnel
and problems retaining workers
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and attracting young people
who have different expectations
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than the previous generations.
If we wish to have
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a quality public sector
that will provide services
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on the level expected by the public,
the reform was necessary.
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The reformed wage system
is in effect.
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April also saw the passing
of a new law reforming
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the employee system, one that
introduces changes to career
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development, performance
evaluations, and personnel issues.
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We know we can't satisfy everyone,
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but without reform, our problems
would've gotten bigger.
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The wage payouts
would've increased,
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but the quality of services
wouldn't have, so employees
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would've been less and less
satisfied. The government therefore
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decided to take on
the responsibility for reform.
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After years of partial solutions,
the government worked with
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the unions to embark on complete
reform and reached an agreement
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that is an important step forward.
The agreement sets
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the foundations of a system
that will be more transparent,
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fairer, and more sustainable.
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I'd like to give the floor
to Minister Boštjančič,
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who headed the government's
negotiation team
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and will present the contents
of the agreement
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and the key features the reform.
Thank you.
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Hello. I'm looking forward
to an overview
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of what the public sector
is about and our reform
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of the wage system.
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I believe this is vital
because I see
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misunderstandings,
overgeneralization,
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and dismissive attitudes
to what we've accomplished
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on both the government
and the union side.
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This is even coming from
those who know
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little about the reform package,
and I'm being kind here.
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Again, the wage reform
doesn't entail cosmetic fixes.
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It's very real reform
that was necessary
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to redefine the wage ratio,
to tie wages
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to job performance
and responsibility,
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to attract young people
and people with leadership skills,
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and most of all to address
the dissatisfaction
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that emerged during the 15 years
when the system saw
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no systemic change.
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We hear that the fact
that no one is now earning
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below the minimum wage
doesn't mean much.
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Only someone who doesn't
understand that wages
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serve as the basis
for everything else,
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including bonuses,
can say that.
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Before, 27,000 public sector
employees received
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wages lower than the minimum.
That's a thing of the past.
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All the bonuses are calculated
based on the new, higher level.
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Any promotions that an employee
was awarded in the past
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will now have a financial effect
because they were
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taken into account
when defining new wage categories.
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The old system didn't
consider them at all.
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Significantly, the minimum
wage will now be adjusted
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for inflation.
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We're reforming the system
of promotions and raises.
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Promotions must be tied
more directly to job performance.
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I'm a strong advocate of that.
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The reform is not over.
We're working with social partners
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to define wages for variable work
and promotions
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for public sector employees.
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The wage reform is the result
of long-lasting,
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difficult, detailed, and often
exhausting negotiations
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between the government
and representatives
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of public sector unions.
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All the key starting points,
including the goals
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of the reform and the definition
of solutions,
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had been coordinated in dialog
with the social partners.
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The agreement was signed
by most unions.
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The goal of the reform
was to ensure a fairer,
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more transparent,
and more stable wage system
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that would also be sustainable
in terms of public financing.
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Saying that we only raised
wages, and not enough,
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is dismissive
of everyone involved.
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Claims that the reform
will negatively impact
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those with the lowest wages
are simply absurd.
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The opposite is the case.
It's the employees
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with wages in the bottom
third of the wage scale
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who received the most attention
in the negotiations.
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The difference will first
be paid out, in its entirety,
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to those receiving
the lowest wages.
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The first raise was in the amount
of €100 before taxes.
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The rest will now follow,
the first in the fall.
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The claim that someone received
a lower base wage
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after the reform was implemented
is untrue.
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Under the new system,
employers are able
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to better manage the wages
of employees
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and decide on their level,
which was the response
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to criticism of the previous system,
where employers
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didn't have much say
on the wages of employees.
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In practice, this possibility
hasn't been applied much.
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The relevant ministries
are issuing instructions
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to various institutions
about how to apply this.
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Possibilities include ignoring
the education level,
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reclassifying the employee
into a higher wage level
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and so-called expedited
promotions.
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Increased opportunities
for employers to determine
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their employee's wages
come with greater responsibility.
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We hope that they'll be ready
to take on that responsibility.
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I'd like to conclude with
a commentary and a slide.
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People often generalize
about the wastefulness
00:10:55.297 --> 00:11:00.509
of the public sector, but this graph
shows where most of the budget
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ends up, and as you can see,
00:11:04.757 --> 00:11:08.530
the public sector is not a parasite
on the public offers,
00:11:08.651 --> 00:11:11.916
and those who are quick
to allege an overgrown
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public sector, inefficiency,
and more,
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don't realize that we all need
the public sector
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and public services. You can't have
a country without that.
00:11:24.983 --> 00:11:28.076
And, yes, I admit that a lot
more can be done
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to improve the efficiency
of public services.
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That's one reason we tackled
this reform and carried it out.
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Here's Peter Pogačar
with some statistics.
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The members of the press will
find them in front of you
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and on the screen.
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I'll continue where Minister
Boštjančič left off.
00:11:53.423 --> 00:12:00.228
The public sector has a major
social role and provides services
00:12:00.349 --> 00:12:04.110
that the public needs every day.
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It's required to provide
some services,
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and does provide them,
24 hours a day,
00:12:11.903 --> 00:12:13.583
every day of the year.
00:12:13.730 --> 00:12:21.716
This chart shows us that almost
80% of all employees
00:12:21.970 --> 00:12:27.463
in the public sector work in areas
that provide services
00:12:27.610 --> 00:12:30.850
directly to the public, primarily
those employed
00:12:30.971 --> 00:12:33.216
in public institutions.
00:12:33.337 --> 00:12:37.029
The number of employees
in ministries, state organs,
00:12:37.150 --> 00:12:41.883
municipalities, and so on,
is less than 20% of the entire
00:12:42.004 --> 00:12:46.383
public sector. This tends
to be overlooked.
00:12:46.550 --> 00:12:49.836
Looking at the next slide,
we see those employed
00:12:49.963 --> 00:12:54.630
in public institutions.
Education and sports
00:12:54.803 --> 00:12:59.116
with 75,000 employees.
Healthcare, social services,
00:12:59.263 --> 00:13:01.863
culture, and research.
00:13:02.050 --> 00:13:06.789
However, the biggest share,
more than 80%,
00:13:06.963 --> 00:13:10.743
consists of public service
employees who directly
00:13:10.864 --> 00:13:16.663
carry out services for the public.
00:13:16.903 --> 00:13:22.976
This graph is also important.
It comes from Eurostat
00:13:23.097 --> 00:13:27.023
and the calculations
of the Institute for Macroeconomic
00:13:27.144 --> 00:13:29.131
Analysis and Development.
00:13:29.277 --> 00:13:32.696
We need to point out
that when we're comparing
00:13:32.857 --> 00:13:36.383
employment shares
in the public sector,
00:13:36.610 --> 00:13:41.383
we need to consider
which public services...
00:13:41.550 --> 00:13:46.023
Every country has public services;
they differ merely whether
00:13:46.144 --> 00:13:50.210
they are carried out by the public
or the private sector,
00:13:50.403 --> 00:13:56.283
but if we look at claims
about an overgrown public sector,
00:13:56.463 --> 00:14:00.663
we see that we are in the bottom
third of European countries
00:14:00.784 --> 00:14:03.336
in terms of the number
of employees
00:14:03.457 --> 00:14:07.587
in public services. And here's
another interesting fact.
00:14:07.800 --> 00:14:11.120
If you look at which countries
are near the top,
00:14:11.294 --> 00:14:16.523
they're Scandinavian countries.
The more developed a country is
00:14:16.703 --> 00:14:20.876
and the higher quality of life
it enjoys, the higher its share
00:14:21.063 --> 00:14:23.730
of public sector employment
tends to be.
00:14:23.863 --> 00:14:27.596
Since we're comparing,
we'd like to show you
00:14:27.770 --> 00:14:33.657
a survey conducted
in ten OECD countries
00:14:33.830 --> 00:14:38.450
about the satisfaction of the public
with administrative services.
00:14:38.583 --> 00:14:42.276
It's interesting that despite
the complaints we have
00:14:42.430 --> 00:14:47.797
about administrative services,
not public services,
00:14:47.923 --> 00:14:51.856
almost 70% of all people
surveyed are satisfied
00:14:51.977 --> 00:14:56.930
with these services. This places us
in the upper third
00:14:57.051 --> 00:14:59.150
of the countries surveyed.
00:14:59.271 --> 00:15:03.368
When we analysed the survey
more thoroughly ...
00:15:03.596 --> 00:15:05.276
Next slide, please.
00:15:06.173 --> 00:15:11.256
Here you can see the proportions
of satisfaction in Slovenia.
00:15:11.377 --> 00:15:15.877
I think only two countries,
Estonia, Finland and maybe Latvia
00:15:15.998 --> 00:15:18.748
have a higher
percentage of people
00:15:18.869 --> 00:15:22.323
who are satisfied
with administrative services.
00:15:22.444 --> 00:15:24.736
The people surveyed
were the ones
00:15:24.857 --> 00:15:27.718
who have used them
in the past 12 months.
00:15:27.839 --> 00:15:32.198
The highest rate of satisfaction
with administrative services
00:15:32.319 --> 00:15:37.652
was among the countries that have
digitised administrative services.
00:15:38.168 --> 00:15:43.071
Looking at the rates
of satisfaction in Slovenia,
00:15:43.192 --> 00:15:46.640
so, driving license,
identity document,
00:15:46.761 --> 00:15:50.548
submitting
a self-assessment tax return ...
00:15:51.015 --> 00:15:55.682
People are more satisfied
with digitised services,
00:15:55.803 --> 00:15:59.414
which may be
the way forward.
00:16:00.159 --> 00:16:04.032
To conclude
with the way forward,
00:16:04.263 --> 00:16:09.680
what we want to say is that the
public sector is not self-serving.
00:16:09.801 --> 00:16:13.301
The public sector
provides public services,
00:16:13.422 --> 00:16:17.445
which depend on what society
needs in a given moment.
00:16:17.566 --> 00:16:20.929
It always responds
to the needs of the population,
00:16:21.049 --> 00:16:23.049
which change constantly.
00:16:23.170 --> 00:16:27.064
Every responsible country
has to keep asking itself
00:16:27.185 --> 00:16:31.602
what kind of public sector
it will need in the future.
00:16:31.723 --> 00:16:34.665
That is the key question.
The fact is that
00:16:34.786 --> 00:16:39.585
the needs for public services are,
to an extent, always predictable,
00:16:39.706 --> 00:16:44.120
unlike the private sector,
which has corrective fluctuations.
00:16:44.241 --> 00:16:47.408
The progress of society
is predictable.
00:16:47.610 --> 00:16:49.680
But the key societal factors
00:16:49.801 --> 00:16:53.177
that will define the future
of the public sector
00:16:53.298 --> 00:16:57.920
are demographic changes,
digitisation and AI,
00:16:58.270 --> 00:17:01.103
new professions,
new forms of work,
00:17:01.224 --> 00:17:05.670
and, of course,
crises and climate change.
00:17:06.206 --> 00:17:08.926
How will the demographics
affect this?
00:17:09.047 --> 00:17:11.380
The ageing of the population
00:17:11.501 --> 00:17:15.900
increases the need
for certain services,
00:17:16.021 --> 00:17:20.280
so, in terms of demographics,
we need to ask ourselves
00:17:20.401 --> 00:17:27.043
what kinds of services
our society will require,
00:17:27.210 --> 00:17:30.844
how many employees
those services will require,
00:17:30.965 --> 00:17:34.960
in healthcare and social care,
for instance,
00:17:35.345 --> 00:17:39.220
and, given the demographics
and the lack of personnel,
00:17:39.341 --> 00:17:41.653
how we will
ensure employees.
00:17:41.817 --> 00:17:44.850
The salary reform
is one of the first steps
00:17:45.007 --> 00:17:49.727
toward ensuring
enough personnel
00:17:49.848 --> 00:17:53.697
that will meet
the growing needs for services.
00:17:53.944 --> 00:17:57.644
Another very important
societal factor
00:17:57.765 --> 00:18:00.476
is digitisation and AI.
00:18:00.783 --> 00:18:03.882
Certain jobs,
in the public sector as well,
00:18:04.051 --> 00:18:09.960
will gradually become redundant,
which will be an opportunity for us
00:18:10.157 --> 00:18:13.057
to redirect personnel
to fields
00:18:13.178 --> 00:18:18.247
that are showing
a growing need for public services.
00:18:18.543 --> 00:18:23.881
It is very important that the State
responds in a timely manner
00:18:24.002 --> 00:18:26.169
to those societal factors,
00:18:26.290 --> 00:18:30.668
to predicting how the need
for public services develops,
00:18:30.789 --> 00:18:34.194
through personnel
and salary planning.
00:18:34.315 --> 00:18:38.841
That is the only way we can ensure
quality, efficient
00:18:38.962 --> 00:18:43.129
and mainly accessible
public services for everyone.
00:18:43.250 --> 00:18:47.833
Thank you. -Thank you.
Journalists, introduce yourselves
00:18:47.954 --> 00:18:51.240
and pose your questions.
Where will we start?
00:18:51.519 --> 00:18:54.000
Marko Milenkovič, go ahead.
00:18:54.121 --> 00:18:57.992
Thank you. I have several
questions from my colleagues.
00:18:58.113 --> 00:19:03.280
Let's start with salaries.
This question is for Minister Props.
00:19:03.401 --> 00:19:06.068
Nurseries
are raising their fees,
00:19:06.189 --> 00:19:09.272
citing salary increases
as the reason.
00:19:09.393 --> 00:19:13.643
The municipalities say
that the funding they receive
00:19:13.764 --> 00:19:17.757
is not sufficient
to cover all the costs.
00:19:17.878 --> 00:19:21.520
What is your response
or rather your view?
00:19:21.994 --> 00:19:27.054
The per capita funding
has increased by 6.4%.
00:19:27.229 --> 00:19:31.480
This partially covers
00:19:32.403 --> 00:19:37.310
all needs within
municipal budgets,
00:19:37.431 --> 00:19:40.014
however,
it is important to note
00:19:40.135 --> 00:19:44.968
that salaries did not entirely
contribute to this increase.
00:19:45.257 --> 00:19:49.054
The salary increase
was disbursed in the first tranche
00:19:49.175 --> 00:19:53.163
as the initial adjustment.
At least for that portion,
00:19:53.283 --> 00:19:55.616
municipalities have received
00:19:55.737 --> 00:19:59.044
a sufficient increase
in per capita funding,
00:19:59.165 --> 00:20:02.795
as well as for all of their
other reponsibilities.
00:20:02.916 --> 00:20:10.024
How the local governments
went on to disburse those funds
00:20:10.145 --> 00:20:12.478
and why they
decided to do so
00:20:12.599 --> 00:20:15.599
is a question
for the municipalities.
00:20:17.095 --> 00:20:21.280
So the State's position is that the
municipalities got enough money,
00:20:21.401 --> 00:20:24.928
there is no reason for nurseries
to increase their fees
00:20:25.049 --> 00:20:28.125
and it cannot be justified
by the salary increase?
00:20:28.246 --> 00:20:31.305
Like I said,
the per capita funding
00:20:31.426 --> 00:20:37.707
was greater
than what they required
00:20:37.828 --> 00:20:41.165
for salaries
within their institutions,
00:20:41.422 --> 00:20:45.309
where they need to provide
the salaries.
00:20:46.058 --> 00:20:48.778
A question
for the Minister of Finance.
00:20:49.331 --> 00:20:54.960
The OECD published the
Taxing Wages 2025 analysis,
00:20:55.081 --> 00:21:01.680
where Slovenia had the
second highest tax wedge increase.
00:21:01.938 --> 00:21:04.832
How would you comment that?
00:21:05.084 --> 00:21:08.742
That's an eternal question
that I hear all the time.
00:21:09.147 --> 00:21:12.806
We do not have
enough time for that today,
00:21:12.927 --> 00:21:18.214
although I do not mind lengthy
discussions about that at all.
00:21:18.488 --> 00:21:22.905
Every country has its own
specific system of taxation.
00:21:23.159 --> 00:21:27.091
European countries do not have
uniform taxation systems,
00:21:27.212 --> 00:21:29.510
the systems
differ significantly,
00:21:29.631 --> 00:21:35.381
not only in terms of labour taxation
but also in other types of taxes.
00:21:35.669 --> 00:21:40.800
So, in this context,
comparisons between countries
00:21:40.921 --> 00:21:44.571
should be taken
with a grain of salt.
00:21:45.748 --> 00:21:50.141
But generally, I will say
what I have been saying all along.
00:21:50.793 --> 00:21:53.583
In Slovenia,
the burden of contributions
00:21:53.704 --> 00:21:56.805
is particularly high
compared to other countries.
00:21:56.995 --> 00:22:00.199
It is clear what the
contributions are used for.
00:22:00.320 --> 00:22:05.616
Each contribution
goes to a specific fund,
00:22:05.737 --> 00:22:10.050
the two largest ones are the
health and pension contributions.
00:22:10.171 --> 00:22:13.785
Today, both of these funds
have insufficient money
00:22:14.027 --> 00:22:16.800
and are co-funded
by the State,
00:22:16.921 --> 00:22:20.868
nearly 1.5 billion euros annually
just for the pension fund.
00:22:21.156 --> 00:22:25.098
Now, I do not
want to be sarcastic,
00:22:25.219 --> 00:22:27.052
but I will ask anyway,
00:22:27.173 --> 00:22:31.202
are you trying to say
pensions in Slovenia are too high?
00:22:31.990 --> 00:22:35.264
This debate
could go on forever.
00:22:35.809 --> 00:22:43.368
I agree that a lot has to be done
regarding labour taxation.
00:22:43.489 --> 00:22:48.777
We may have missed an opportunity
with this pension reform.
00:22:50.071 --> 00:22:55.351
I regret that there was
no equalisation of contributions
00:22:55.472 --> 00:22:59.978
at least between
employers and employees.
00:23:00.345 --> 00:23:04.272
That's another area
Slovenia is quite special in.
00:23:04.393 --> 00:23:09.819
This is a very complex
and deep subject
00:23:10.457 --> 00:23:15.570
that demands a lot more time
than I have right now.
00:23:16.920 --> 00:23:18.426
One more question.
00:23:18.547 --> 00:23:21.988
There is a lot of talk about
new defense funding in Europe.
00:23:22.109 --> 00:23:25.960
How do you view
all of this preparation?
00:23:26.081 --> 00:23:31.320
Sorry for switching topics.
-Can we talk about this at the end?
00:23:32.698 --> 00:23:34.298
POP TV?
00:23:35.686 --> 00:23:38.560
Urša Vrečar.
A question for Mr. Pogačar.
00:23:38.681 --> 00:23:43.659
After the Prime Minister said
that people should speak up
00:23:43.806 --> 00:23:47.723
if they got lower salaries
or saw any anomalies,
00:23:47.844 --> 00:23:51.883
how many have reported issues,
what kinds of issues
00:23:52.004 --> 00:23:54.082
and how are you solving them?
00:23:54.923 --> 00:23:59.506
The Prime Minister explicitly said
that employees should speak up
00:23:59.627 --> 00:24:04.158
if they got a lower basic salary
than in the previous month.
00:24:04.329 --> 00:24:07.579
There was
no substantial number of them,
00:24:07.706 --> 00:24:11.797
as that basically
cannot happen.
00:24:12.209 --> 00:24:17.280
But a number of people,
not many, but a few,
00:24:17.480 --> 00:24:24.480
reported that their January payment
was lower than the December one.
00:24:24.678 --> 00:24:29.280
We explained to each one, if they
sent us their salary statement,
00:24:29.401 --> 00:24:32.568
why this happened,
namely, In December,
00:24:32.689 --> 00:24:35.542
overtime and back pay
were billed.
00:24:35.663 --> 00:24:41.125
In January, performance
may even have been higher
00:24:41.302 --> 00:24:48.880
than the first tranche of 100 euros
with the January paycheck.
00:24:52.301 --> 00:24:54.468
Was that only for January,
00:24:54.589 --> 00:24:57.969
or February, March,
and so on, as well?
00:24:58.090 --> 00:25:00.680
No, we are still
getting a lot of questions
00:25:00.801 --> 00:25:04.760
only regarding January paychecks.
That number is going down.
00:25:04.881 --> 00:25:06.602
For the first two months
00:25:06.723 --> 00:25:10.980
it was mainly employers
that were turning to the Ministry,
00:25:11.101 --> 00:25:15.851
as they wanted to pay out
paychecks correctly and on time.
00:25:15.972 --> 00:25:21.157
We really should thank all of the
employers in the public sector
00:25:21.277 --> 00:25:23.789
for successfully
issuing new annexes
00:25:23.910 --> 00:25:28.341
and processing salaries under
the new system in record time.
00:25:28.538 --> 00:25:31.184
We get a lot of questions
from people,
00:25:31.305 --> 00:25:34.677
we mostly advise them
to turn to their employers,
00:25:34.798 --> 00:25:38.095
who are most familiar
with their specific case.
00:25:38.216 --> 00:25:42.881
But some have turned to us,
mainly regarding the January pay,
00:25:43.002 --> 00:25:45.292
as they expected
a higher salary,
00:25:45.413 --> 00:25:50.113
but once we explain to them
what they need to compare,
00:25:50.234 --> 00:25:53.529
there aren't really
any additional questions.
00:25:53.650 --> 00:25:58.524
But there are fewer
of these complaints every month.
00:25:59.829 --> 00:26:02.216
All right, next?
STA?
00:26:04.283 --> 00:26:08.116
Tatjana Žnidaršič, STA.
Are the aggregated data
00:26:08.237 --> 00:26:12.987
on salary payments under the
new system already available?
00:26:13.108 --> 00:26:16.899
Is there a comparison
between the salaries for January
00:26:17.020 --> 00:26:21.641
and December, or November,
if those data are more appropriate?
00:26:21.887 --> 00:26:24.720
And have you conducted
any analysis
00:26:24.841 --> 00:26:28.148
on how much
salaries have increased,
00:26:28.269 --> 00:26:31.727
whether the increase
was as expected
00:26:31.847 --> 00:26:36.941
or rather where
the highest increases occurred?
00:26:37.118 --> 00:26:39.309
Go ahead, Mr. Pogačar.
00:26:39.430 --> 00:26:45.579
Yes, the Ministry is collecting
public sector employers' reports
00:26:45.700 --> 00:26:49.880
on salaries for January
and subsequent months.
00:26:50.001 --> 00:26:54.788
The data has not yet been
fully and thoroughly reviewed.
00:26:54.909 --> 00:26:59.909
It is taking slightly longer
because we want all of the data.
00:27:00.128 --> 00:27:05.120
Employers have had some trouble
reporting data under the new system,
00:27:05.275 --> 00:27:07.927
but I expect
that within a week or two
00:27:08.048 --> 00:27:11.798
accurate data for all
190,000 public employees
00:27:11.919 --> 00:27:13.752
will become available.
00:27:13.986 --> 00:27:18.200
Regarding an analysis
of the reform's impact,
00:27:18.321 --> 00:27:25.880
I will say that, in accordance with
our agreement with the unions,
00:27:26.216 --> 00:27:32.331
we will constantly monitor
the impacts of the wage reform.
00:27:32.510 --> 00:27:36.843
We will conduct an analysis
for a longer time period,
00:27:36.964 --> 00:27:40.214
as we cannot compare
such complex things
00:27:40.335 --> 00:27:43.872
from month to month,
like January and December.
00:27:43.993 --> 00:27:47.268
We also have an agreement
with the unions
00:27:47.387 --> 00:27:52.387
to monitor the impacts of the
reform on about a yearly basis.
00:27:52.508 --> 00:27:56.087
We will prepare an analysis
together in the summer,
00:27:56.208 --> 00:27:59.708
when we will have data
for a longer period.
00:28:00.421 --> 00:28:04.671
My colleague asked about
the municipalities earlier.
00:28:04.792 --> 00:28:09.709
RTV also has liquidity issues.
Have the competent ministries
00:28:09.830 --> 00:28:12.330
engaged in solving this issue,
00:28:12.451 --> 00:28:18.440
or rather, will they? How would you
go about solving such issues?
00:28:18.561 --> 00:28:22.000
I think that is a question
for the Ministry of Culture.
00:28:22.121 --> 00:28:25.129
Would anyone like to answer?
Minister of Finance?
00:28:25.250 --> 00:28:29.167
Every public institution
has its administration,
00:28:29.288 --> 00:28:33.779
responsible for managing
said institution.
00:28:33.900 --> 00:28:38.142
Different institutions
have different problems.
00:28:39.098 --> 00:28:43.945
I do know a little bit
about this specific case,
00:28:44.066 --> 00:28:45.666
but not a lot.
00:28:46.418 --> 00:28:50.920
They mainly have to solve
their problems themselves,
00:28:51.041 --> 00:28:54.855
within their budgets,
such as they are.
00:28:55.162 --> 00:29:00.635
The annual budget for RTV
is known precisely.
00:29:00.831 --> 00:29:03.905
It is mainly the
management's responsibility
00:29:04.026 --> 00:29:09.368
to adapt the processes and costs
to their revenue.
00:29:09.688 --> 00:29:14.478
That's not even mentioning
the not unimportant market share,
00:29:14.598 --> 00:29:18.112
which the State
is not paying for its services.
00:29:18.428 --> 00:29:21.018
I'm sure there is
some reserve there,
00:29:21.139 --> 00:29:24.152
but I do not want to give
any general answers.
00:29:24.305 --> 00:29:28.172
RTV has certain challenges,
00:29:28.599 --> 00:29:33.279
which have fairly deep roots
00:29:33.400 --> 00:29:37.262
that also stem from the past
quite a bit.
00:29:37.494 --> 00:29:41.494
There is no doubt
that the public institution RTV
00:29:41.615 --> 00:29:46.401
needs to completely
restructure its operation.
00:29:46.704 --> 00:29:52.800
I see that
as one of the solutions
00:29:53.075 --> 00:29:57.840
to their liquidity issue,
which is just one of the problems.
00:29:57.961 --> 00:30:03.680
Last time we had a question about
holiday pay for RTV, Mr. Pogačar.
00:30:03.801 --> 00:30:06.023
There was no question
about annual leave allowance.
00:30:06.144 --> 00:30:12.266
It was at the press conference.
About RTV.
00:30:12.387 --> 00:30:14.496
RTV is part
of the public sector.
00:30:14.616 --> 00:30:18.948
In the public sector
the annual leave allowance
00:30:19.069 --> 00:30:21.824
is paid in accordance
with the agreement
00:30:21.944 --> 00:30:24.256
between the Government
and the trade unions
00:30:24.376 --> 00:30:27.047
at the latest
with the salary for April,
00:30:27.167 --> 00:30:29.798
so in the first days of May.
00:30:29.919 --> 00:30:31.716
Perhaps
it is important to point out
00:30:31.836 --> 00:30:34.835
that for the first time
there will be an increase
00:30:34.955 --> 00:30:37.747
in the public sector
annual leave allowance
00:30:37.867 --> 00:30:40.307
of 5% above the minimum
set by the law.
00:30:40.427 --> 00:30:42.690
The law stipulates
the annual leave allowance
00:30:42.810 --> 00:30:48.074
at least in the amount
of the gross minimum wage.
00:30:48.195 --> 00:30:50.599
In accordance
with the agreement,
00:30:50.719 --> 00:30:55.376
this year the public sector
allowance will be 5% higher
00:30:55.497 --> 00:31:00.973
and in 2026 10% higher
than the minimum wage.
00:31:01.094 --> 00:31:03.289
This is the agreement
with the trade unions.
00:31:03.409 --> 00:31:07.342
It should be paid at the latest
with the salary for April,
00:31:07.462 --> 00:31:10.775
the legal deadline under
the Employment Relationships Act
00:31:10.895 --> 00:31:13.296
is the 30th of June.
00:31:15.816 --> 00:31:20.435
Just a moment, one at a time.
Wait for her to finish.
00:31:20.556 --> 00:31:23.808
A question on the negotiations
with the trade unions.
00:31:23.928 --> 00:31:30.694
You said negotiations have
been held on remuneration,
00:31:30.815 --> 00:31:32.816
so the variable
part of the salary.
00:31:32.936 --> 00:31:36.807
At the last meeting
it was said that the Government
00:31:36.927 --> 00:31:43.570
would send out the baselines
for the criteria for remuneration
00:31:43.691 --> 00:31:46.278
within a month, so now.
00:31:46.399 --> 00:31:50.956
What stage are these
negotiations at? Have they started?
00:31:51.076 --> 00:31:54.134
Did the trade unions
receive the baselines?
00:31:54.254 --> 00:31:58.504
Who will answer?
Peter, Minister?
00:31:58.625 --> 00:32:01.857
Peter, go ahead.
-No, you go.
00:32:03.004 --> 00:32:08.435
The Government negotiating group
will meet next week
00:32:08.556 --> 00:32:14.347
as a continuation
of the meeting you've mentioned.
00:32:14.468 --> 00:32:21.113
By then, the trade unions
will be sent the baselines.
00:32:21.234 --> 00:32:27.325
If I may ... -Go ahead.
-Let me just say
00:32:27.446 --> 00:32:30.697
that this difficult
but nevertheless
00:32:30.818 --> 00:32:33.749
an extremely important
part of the wage reform,
00:32:33.869 --> 00:32:37.150
the criteria for variable
remuneration will be negotiated
00:32:37.270 --> 00:32:39.041
on a pillar-by-pillar basis.
00:32:39.161 --> 00:32:41.469
That is the right thing to do,
because the pillars
00:32:41.589 --> 00:32:44.103
perform
different types of tasks,
00:32:44.223 --> 00:32:46.692
and it's only right
that the criteria are different.
00:32:46.812 --> 00:32:52.224
The Government negotiating group
will discuss them next week,
00:32:52.345 --> 00:32:58.189
and then negotiations on the
criteria for each pillar will start.
00:32:58.310 --> 00:33:03.583
Okay, RTV Slovenia. -A clarification
on the previous question.
00:33:03.704 --> 00:33:07.496
Is it possible for an institution
in the public sector
00:33:07.616 --> 00:33:13.152
not to pay out the allowance
because of financial difficulties?
00:33:13.273 --> 00:33:14.873
It's possible,
00:33:14.994 --> 00:33:19.994
but it would be against the law
and the collective agreement.
00:33:21.139 --> 00:33:23.411
Next. Večer.
00:33:26.701 --> 00:33:30.814
Urška Mlinarič.
How many users
00:33:30.935 --> 00:33:33.998
took part
in this survey in Slovenia?
00:33:34.119 --> 00:33:37.609
This information
is nowhere to be found.
00:33:39.299 --> 00:33:43.223
In the OECD survey?
-Yes.
00:33:43.622 --> 00:33:46.817
We will send you
the information later.
00:33:46.938 --> 00:33:51.531
I knew the number, but I forgot.
I will let you know.
00:33:51.652 --> 00:33:55.564
Will the Government carry out
00:33:55.685 --> 00:34:02.215
a survey on public sector
employee satisfaction?
00:34:02.336 --> 00:34:09.363
This was a service user survey.
00:34:09.571 --> 00:34:12.202
That's why we've presented it today.
00:34:12.322 --> 00:34:16.122
This year the Ministry
carried out a survey
00:34:16.243 --> 00:34:18.244
in cooperation with the OECD.
00:34:18.364 --> 00:34:24.996
We've showed the preliminary results
to the ministries' management.
00:34:25.117 --> 00:34:29.625
A survey on employee satisfaction,
but limited to the civil service.
00:34:29.745 --> 00:34:34.473
We want to set an example for other
employers in the public sector,
00:34:34.593 --> 00:34:40.167
we need to measure employee
satisfaction with such surveys.
00:34:40.288 --> 00:34:44.198
The results for the ministries
are extremely interesting.
00:34:44.318 --> 00:34:50.704
The survey wasn't just
on employee satisfaction,
00:34:50.825 --> 00:34:57.287
but also
about middle management,
00:34:57.408 --> 00:35:03.052
about how managers lead
and manage employees,
00:35:03.173 --> 00:35:06.246
how the flow of information
takes place,
00:35:06.366 --> 00:35:11.350
in order to get to a situation ...
We can probably all agree
00:35:11.471 --> 00:35:17.227
that we still have
a way to go in terms of efficiency,
00:35:17.348 --> 00:35:19.524
which is related
to proper management.
00:35:19.644 --> 00:35:23.517
The results of the OECD survey
00:35:23.766 --> 00:35:30.426
for the whole civil service will
be published by the end of May.
00:35:30.780 --> 00:35:34.261
How satisfied the employees are
with the organisational climate.
00:35:34.381 --> 00:35:37.686
The Government
can do that for the civil service,
00:35:37.806 --> 00:35:41.467
but we would like to do it
across the whole public sector,
00:35:41.587 --> 00:35:44.657
because that way
we would also get the feedback.
00:35:44.777 --> 00:35:46.684
We will be able to tell you
00:35:46.804 --> 00:35:51.132
what proportion of employees
are satisfied with their salary.
00:35:51.252 --> 00:35:55.445
Besides the salary reform,
00:35:55.566 --> 00:36:00.795
what are the plans
to answer these needs,
00:36:00.916 --> 00:36:03.647
what kind of public sector
do we need?
00:36:03.767 --> 00:36:07.195
If the reform
is just the first step.
00:36:07.316 --> 00:36:11.392
First of all,
what I wanted ...
00:36:11.638 --> 00:36:14.457
This is what
all developed countries are facing.
00:36:14.577 --> 00:36:19.486
The public sector
is not an end in itself,
00:36:19.811 --> 00:36:21.868
it responds
to the needs of society.
00:36:21.988 --> 00:36:26.887
As society changes, the needs
for public services change,
00:36:27.008 --> 00:36:32.007
both in terms of the quantity
and the type of public services.
00:36:32.127 --> 00:36:35.686
We can predict these things
a couple of years in advance.
00:36:35.806 --> 00:36:39.092
I'm sorry we hadn't predicted
10 years ago
00:36:39.212 --> 00:36:44.126
that we would need additional
staff in health and social care.
00:36:44.246 --> 00:36:49.411
But we can respond in the short term
with a wage reform,
00:36:49.532 --> 00:36:53.305
with a salary rise,
and then there are other measures,
00:36:53.425 --> 00:36:55.035
from scholarship policy,
00:36:55.155 --> 00:37:00.088
the reputation of the profession,
ensuring standards,
00:37:00.209 --> 00:37:02.555
and some broader societal debate
00:37:02.675 --> 00:37:08.888
to be able to even provide these
public services in a few years' time,
00:37:10.133 --> 00:37:14.388
If I may add,
because it's an important question.
00:37:15.013 --> 00:37:18.700
Public services are very broad
00:37:19.333 --> 00:37:24.976
and in some areas there is
a distinct shortage of labour.
00:37:25.405 --> 00:37:31.495
In fact there is
a shortage everywhere.
00:37:31.855 --> 00:37:35.696
We still have
a record employment rate.
00:37:36.513 --> 00:37:43.382
There are actually
two solutions.
00:37:43.652 --> 00:37:49.796
One is to properly motivate
in those areas
00:37:50.000 --> 00:37:56.041
where it's not possible to replace
employees through digitisation,
00:37:56.162 --> 00:37:58.583
and the other
is to accelerate digitisation,
00:37:58.703 --> 00:38:01.578
including the use
of artificial intelligence,
00:38:01.698 --> 00:38:04.082
because there is
a huge amount of reserve.
00:38:04.202 --> 00:38:06.563
As my colleague said,
00:38:07.805 --> 00:38:09.675
perhaps it's a bit surprising
00:38:09.795 --> 00:38:14.581
that people are most satisfied where
there is the most digitisation,
00:38:14.701 --> 00:38:17.042
not personal contact.
00:38:17.163 --> 00:38:22.424
We need to pay
more attention to this,
00:38:22.545 --> 00:38:24.546
and invest
more energy and resources.
00:38:24.666 --> 00:38:26.938
I'm also talking about
00:38:27.059 --> 00:38:30.949
what artificial intelligence
already offers today.
00:38:31.069 --> 00:38:34.457
In a way,
this is part of the answer
00:38:34.578 --> 00:38:41.797
as to how to replace part
of the public sector services.
00:38:44.071 --> 00:38:48.665
Minister Props said
that the municipalities
00:38:48.786 --> 00:38:53.981
have received more than
the amount of the first tranche.
00:38:54.300 --> 00:38:59.172
Have they received enough
to cover the second tranche?
00:38:59.570 --> 00:39:02.581
They are independent
in their decision-making
00:39:02.701 --> 00:39:08.476
and the Government should not
interfere at all in their business,
00:39:08.597 --> 00:39:10.432
in the use of funds.
00:39:10.553 --> 00:39:15.410
It's not just the municipalities,
it's the case everywhere.
00:39:15.850 --> 00:39:20.602
There are never enough funds,
they all wish for more.
00:39:22.163 --> 00:39:26.686
When certain goals
are not achieved,
00:39:26.807 --> 00:39:29.052
the Government
is a convenient excuse.
00:39:29.172 --> 00:39:32.917
It would be great if the Government
gave more funds to municipalities,
00:39:33.037 --> 00:39:38.548
for healthcare, pensions, army,
social transfers, for anything else,
00:39:38.668 --> 00:39:43.528
it's exactly the same story.
This is how I see their criticism.
00:39:43.648 --> 00:39:47.403
Go ahead, Minister Props.
-Perhaps the concrete figures.
00:39:47.523 --> 00:39:54.522
The salary costs that have increased
due to the wage reform
00:39:54.643 --> 00:39:58.702
are about 36 million this year.
00:39:58.823 --> 00:40:02.729
But they've received
00:40:02.919 --> 00:40:08.997
148 million more
than they did in 2024.
00:40:09.848 --> 00:40:13.498
Any other questions
about the public sector?
00:40:16.519 --> 00:40:22.213
Did you want to ask about
the departure from the fiscal rules?
00:40:22.334 --> 00:40:25.115
About defence financing.
00:40:25.236 --> 00:40:31.529
Brussels insists we need to provide
800 billion for defence,
00:40:31.650 --> 00:40:37.289
we need to spend at least 2%
or even 4 or 5% of GDP on defence,
00:40:37.410 --> 00:40:42.853
we can only buy peace
with more money.
00:40:42.974 --> 00:40:46.634
I would like to know your opinion.
00:40:47.186 --> 00:40:52.622
The Government will respond
to that in the next few days,
00:40:52.743 --> 00:40:56.586
and several times after that,
as you said it yourself,
00:40:56.706 --> 00:41:02.112
things change every week.
00:41:02.604 --> 00:41:08.255
To a large extent,
00:41:08.451 --> 00:41:11.398
this pressure is coming
from two directions,
00:41:11.518 --> 00:41:13.768
from the East and the West.
00:41:15.632 --> 00:41:19.104
There's a new number,
new percent every fortnight.
00:41:19.224 --> 00:41:24.149
A month ago it was 2%,
then 2.5%, 3%, now it's 5%.
00:41:24.637 --> 00:41:28.288
I am personally
very critical of this.
00:41:29.012 --> 00:41:34.589
As the Finance Minister I'm concerned
about how we're going to finance this,
00:41:34.709 --> 00:41:37.268
and as a citizen I think
00:41:40.282 --> 00:41:46.143
we should invest in other things,
not in weapons.
00:41:46.844 --> 00:41:53.251
So in that context I hope
that sobriety will also prevail
00:41:53.605 --> 00:41:56.250
at European Union level,
00:41:56.646 --> 00:42:04.457
that we will not be influenced
by the East and the West.
00:42:05.125 --> 00:42:11.177
That the European Commission
will stay united on this,
00:42:11.594 --> 00:42:13.883
that we will react
in a united manner
00:42:14.003 --> 00:42:16.836
and also according
to common sense.
00:42:17.097 --> 00:42:20.465
That's how I would put it.
00:42:21.271 --> 00:42:26.477
I'm distinctly bothered by this
and I always say so in Brussels.
00:42:26.597 --> 00:42:33.672
We're competing in GDP percentages,
but we're not talking about
00:42:33.793 --> 00:42:36.732
how much this will
actually increase security.
00:42:36.852 --> 00:42:39.807
It's more important
to talk about
00:42:39.928 --> 00:42:42.370
how the level of security
is measured,
00:42:42.490 --> 00:42:45.923
what actually needs to be bought,
if it's necessary.
00:42:46.043 --> 00:42:49.407
Absolutely,
security is a much broader issue
00:42:49.527 --> 00:42:53.255
than a question of weapons,
and these are the questions
00:42:53.375 --> 00:42:58.258
that we need to answer.
We should start with this,
00:42:58.379 --> 00:43:00.576
and then talk about percentages.
00:43:00.696 --> 00:43:08.376
Right now, I feel like we've all
fallen victim to this mindset,
00:43:08.497 --> 00:43:14.105
which is very much conditioned
by pure financial interests.
00:43:15.777 --> 00:43:18.335
Anything else?
-Yes.
00:43:18.456 --> 00:43:22.153
What is going on
with the appointment
00:43:22.274 --> 00:43:24.838
of the Governor
of the Bank of Slovenia?
00:43:24.958 --> 00:43:32.138
Does the Government
still support the same candidate?
00:43:32.259 --> 00:43:36.408
There has been no debate
on this in the Government.
00:43:36.528 --> 00:43:42.880
My personal position
has been known all along.
00:43:43.001 --> 00:43:48.743
I have not heard any arguments
against it yet,
00:43:48.864 --> 00:43:52.503
except for
some flat statements.
00:43:52.624 --> 00:43:56.486
There is no debate on this at all.
00:43:56.607 --> 00:44:00.085
The procedure for appointing
the Governor is clear.
00:44:00.205 --> 00:44:05.960
We know who is obliged
to nominate the Governor,
00:44:06.081 --> 00:44:10.000
and the role
of the National Assembly.
00:44:10.207 --> 00:44:14.324
Everything's clear,
there's nothing new.
00:44:15.890 --> 00:44:20.667
About the defence expenditure.
00:44:20.788 --> 00:44:24.214
The demands are that
we increase this percentage.
00:44:24.334 --> 00:44:26.631
Do we have
any specific figures
00:44:26.751 --> 00:44:31.498
by how much could
this percentage be increased,
00:44:31.619 --> 00:44:34.791
let's say in the next year?
00:44:35.932 --> 00:44:39.790
There's no point in me
talking about percentages,
00:44:39.910 --> 00:44:42.693
mainly because in a way
00:44:42.814 --> 00:44:50.710
there is still no consensus
at European level in this area.
00:44:50.831 --> 00:44:55.853
On the definition
of these expenditures.
00:44:56.644 --> 00:45:02.165
The Prime Minister and I are
talking about security expenditures.
00:45:03.422 --> 00:45:08.109
I think security
is much broader than weapons,
00:45:09.648 --> 00:45:12.202
but on the other hand,
00:45:12.323 --> 00:45:17.376
the tasks that Slovenia has to
perform as a NATO member
00:45:17.497 --> 00:45:19.997
are, as is well known,
very clear,
00:45:20.117 --> 00:45:22.786
and Slovenia
is carrying out these tasks.
00:45:22.906 --> 00:45:29.456
As I said,
I'm really disappointed
00:45:29.955 --> 00:45:33.205
with the pressure
that is being exerted.
00:45:33.526 --> 00:45:40.032
On you as well, you had to listen
about the percentage in Brussels.
00:45:40.513 --> 00:45:46.286
I would rather
be talking about
00:45:46.407 --> 00:45:49.355
what these funds
will be used for.
00:45:49.476 --> 00:45:54.434
Just an example.
It will sound sarcastic,
00:45:54.555 --> 00:45:58.428
but unfortunately what I'm
going to say is very, very serious.
00:45:58.548 --> 00:46:01.077
The prices of weapons
have gone up enormously,
00:46:01.197 --> 00:46:04.193
in some cases
they have multiplied.
00:46:04.829 --> 00:46:09.751
We might reach 2% without
buying more than we did before.
00:46:10.410 --> 00:46:15.758
In that context,
I would rather focus on security.
00:46:15.879 --> 00:46:18.302
It's a serious issue,
00:46:18.423 --> 00:46:23.171
it's one of the most basic needs
of every single person.
00:46:23.292 --> 00:46:26.020
But on the other hand,
I'm wondering
00:46:26.140 --> 00:46:28.842
what is actually
behind all this.
00:46:28.963 --> 00:46:35.189
I'm absolutely sure it's not
just security in that sense.
00:46:36.602 --> 00:46:42.606
Thank you very much. That
concludes today's press conference.
00:46:42.727 --> 00:46:47.491
Are we finished? -That concludes
today's press conference.
00:46:47.612 --> 00:46:49.445
Thank you and goodbye.