
The crisis of the lack of workers is being felt in all sectors of the economy, turning into one of the sharpest problems of Albanian businesses.
After the transport sector in difficulty for truck drivers, the furniture sector is also suffering from the labor shortage.
Since September of last year, there has been a high shortage of labor force, which is also felt strongly in this sector. Companies are seeing as a solution, hiring foreign employees from Egypt with similar qualifications in their country.
Due to the departure of skilled labor in emigration, furniture manufacturing companies have increased the wages of employees. The minimum monthly salary of qualified employees in the furniture processing sector varies from 70,000 lek minimum level to 120,000 lek maximum salary.
According to business estimates, the cost of employing Egyptian workers is up to 1,000 USD, 50% of the value, including payments for additional life insurance, accommodation and food, while the remainder is the monthly salary.
Increased labor costs are expected to increase prices by up to 15% over last year for some of the country's sawmills. Other operators claim that they will keep prices unchanged due to the drop in demand.