17.07.2014

Bernadette Ségol demands Serbian government to come back to dialogue

Bernadette Ségol, General Secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), in a solidarity declaration addressed to its two Serbian confederations CATUS and NEZAVISNOST, underlined the need for a proper social dialogue in Serbia.

“The new labour legislation is a key element of the reform process going on in Serbia. This requires a bold social dialogue and a serious process of consultation with the social partners. The ad hoc policy of the Serbian government and the insufficient involvement of CATUS and NEZAVISNOST only serves to worsen the conflict” said Bernadette Ségol.

Protests are going on. A general strike is announced. In this context, Bernadette Ségol expressed the full support and solidarity of the ETUC for Serbian trade unions.

“I am aware that the path to joining the EU is a challenging one for all, and it is paved with conflicting interests. To handle the process in the best possible manner, a functioning, operational and inclusive social dialogue is the best instrument to cope with the challenges Serbia will be confronted with. I urge the government to come back to the table and to review seriously its method of social dialogue that proved to be largely insufficient. The strike is absolutely legitimate and corresponds to the criteria of the labor legislation in place” she added.