The hearing was devoted to the position of highly educated experts employed in museums, as well as the need to harmonize salary coefficients in order to ensure equal valuation of museum professions and prevent discrimination in the field of culture.
On this occasion, independent member of parliament Radinka Ćinćur spoke out, who believes that this is a worrisome relationship.
“Minister Vuković’s absence from the discussion on the problems that have burdened museum activity for years sends a message that the issues of culture, science and protection of national heritage are not considered a priority. The fact that it is a topic that directly affects the status of experts who preserve the identity of Montenegro with their work is particularly worrying,” Ćinćur says.
As he adds, it is unnecessary to talk about the importance of museum advisers, curators and other experts employed in museums.
“Without the preservation of cultural and natural heritage, there is no preservation of identity, historical memory and self-respect of a society. There is no state that can build its future if it ignores those who preserve its most valuable traces of the past,” she stressed.
Museum experts, notes Ćinćur, are not only the guardians of exhibits.
“They investigate natural and cultural heritage, conduct scientific research, prepare professional and scientific publications, organize exhibitions, educate the public and are responsible for protecting national heritage for future generations,” she pointed out.
That is why, she believes, it is unacceptable that inequalities in the evaluation of museum professions continue to be maintained in Montenegro and that experts who bear the greatest burden of preserving cultural and natural heritage are put in an unequal position compared to other professions with a similar level of responsibility, expertise and social importance.
“Their earnings ratio is 9.1 – which ranks them among the lowest-paid university graduates in Montenegro, although most of them have higher scientific degrees – doctors and masters of science. In addition, the allowance they receive for professional and professional titles is not evaluated through the earnings ratio, but through an allowance on the basic salary, which is deducted in case of sickness. Past work experience is calculated only on the basic salary, which treats the permanently acquired professional qualifications as a temporary allowance”. points out Ćinćur.
He expects the Ministry of Finance, instead of ignoring the problems, to urgently approach their solution and show readiness for dialogue with the professional community.
“Cultural and natural heritage are not an expense, but the basis of the country’s identity and development. The attitude towards the people who preserve it shows how much we really value our own past and how seriously we think about our future. Otherwise, fewer and fewer people will opt for these important occupations, and Montenegro will lose its identity,” she concluded.
