Workers in Albania are underpaid and work in difficult conditions, particularly those in the construction, mining, and energy industries. The European Training Foundation (ETF) estimates in its latest data that around 47% of employed individuals in Albania were in precarious working conditions in 2023, facing one of the worst forms of job insecurity (lack of insurance, low wages).

“Most employment contracts are fictitious. Working conditions are not properly enforced. A major issue is also the so-called ‘gray wage,’ meaning that the employer and employee agree to declare a lower salary for tax purposes, while the actual wage is higher but not officially reported,” said Kondi Ilia, from the Albanian Trade Union Federation.

Most employment contracts are fictitious, and working conditions are not strictly enforced. The gray economy remains a serious problem, where only a portion of salaries is declared, while the rest is paid off the books. This issue requires awareness campaigns, as employees should not accept such arrangements. Working conditions remain a major concern, especially in high-risk sectors such as construction, mining, and the oil industry.

The number of unprotected workers in Albania has also fluctuated, increasing from 48.2% in 2021 to 49% in 2022, before slightly dropping to 46.8% in 2023.

“The Labor Inspectorate should conduct more frequent inspections, increase its capacity, and hire more inspectors to cover areas where safety violations occur. This would improve standards and enhance quality. Due to poor conditions, many young people leave the country in search of better wages, respect, and improved working conditions and rights abroad,” Ilia added.

Over the past five years, 194 workers have lost their lives on the job in Albania. In the European Union, only 1 in 1,000 workplace accidents result in death, whereas in Albania, the rate is 1 in 6.