North Macedonia’s State Labour Inspectorate has issued a warning to Sparkasse Bank AD Skopje for non-compliance with provisions of the Law on Protection from Harassment at the Workplace, according to a decision reviewed by BalkanView.
The inspectorate found that the bank had not fully followed Article 28 of the law, which requires employers to protect employees from psychological harassment. The case involves a bank employee who was undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment and had sought protection from alleged workplace harassment.
Details of the inspectorate’s decision
According to the decision, an inspection was carried out on 26 August 2025, after the employee submitted a written request for protection on 28 July 2025.
The inspector, Sonja Gjorgjieva, ordered the bank to take appropriate measures to ensure a safe and supportive working environment for the employee, including relocation to other premises or adjusted working conditions if necessary.
The decision names several bank representatives, including Sanel Kusturica, Nina Nedanoska, Zlatica Civkaroski and Aleksandar Gjorgjevikj, in reference to the entity’s legal representation, but it does not assign individual responsibility.
Bank’s response
Inbox7 sent written questions to Sparkasse Bank AD Skopje on the matter, asking whether any internal disciplinary measures were taken in line with Article 29 of the law.
In a written response received on 17 October 2025, the bank said:
“Sparkasse Bank AD Skopje operates solely in accordance with legal regulations and the highest standards of professional and ethical behaviour. In all employment-related processes, the Bank complies with applicable laws, internal policies, and procedures, ensuring a transparent, equal and fair approach for all employees,”
the bank said in its statement.
“Within its competencies, the Bank applies all prescribed legal mechanisms to protect both employees’ dignity and the integrity of the company.”
The bank did not provide details on whether any disciplinary or corrective measures had been taken.
Background to the case
According to the inspectorate’s findings, the employee had reported experiencing psychological pressure at work for about a year before seeking assistance from the Human Resources Department.
The inspectorate’s report also stated that, based on medical recommendations dated 12 August 2025, the employee had requested to work from home for health reasons. The report concluded that the bank should have considered relocation or adjustment of work conditions as part of its legal obligation to prevent further stress.
BalkanView was unable to confirm whether any additional internal measures were later implemented by the bank.
Publicly available information from the Macedonian Association for Human Resources lists Amina Idrizi as Head of Human Resources at Sparkasse Bank AD Skopje. BalkanView was unable to independently verify whether the same person was involved in this specific case.
Legal context
Under North Macedonian law, employers are required to prevent all forms of workplace harassment and to act promptly when complaints are reported. Sanctions may include official warnings, fines, or disciplinary procedures.
The Labour Inspectorate’s warning does not constitute a penalty but serves as a formal notice of non-compliance and an instruction for corrective action.
As of publication, BalkanView has no information that legal proceedings have been initiated against Sparkasse Bank AD Skopje or any of its employees in connection with this case.