Trade unions choose not to organize protests on Labor Day

Trade unions choose not to organize protests on Labor Day

"We are not inviting to gatherings and protests, but we are warning that hundreds of thousands of workers fear dismissals, wage cuts, retirement with low compensation, being prevented from organizing in unions," the Independent Alliance of Trade Unions of Serbia (SSSS) said ahead of May Day.

Citizens Ombudsman Sasa Jankovic also issued a statement on the occasion, saying that many workers are yet to, in reality, achieve their rights and have them protected - the rights guaranteed "on paper" by the Constitution and Serbia's laws.

Meanwhile, many unemployed persons "wish they could work under any conditions," he said.

Labor and Social and Veteran Affairs Minister Aleksandar Vulin said that "several laws" will be adopted this year with the goal of better protecting workers' rights, including the legislation on seasonal employment and employment via agencies, while "negotiations on a new price of labor are also planned."

Serbia currently has 1.8 million unemployed persons, 745,000 of whom are registered with the National Employment Agency.

Serbia's caretaker Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister and leader of the Socialists (SPS) Ivica Dacic wished the Serbian people a happy May Day - International Workers' Day.

"I wish all citizens of the Republic of Serbia a happy May Day - International Workers' Day - and wish them to spend the upcoming May Day holidays in good health and good mood," he said on Sunday.

"Together we must build a society of social justice and equal opportunities for all. And today, when times are difficult for Serbia, when it is poor, our main job is to fight for a country in which justice is possible. But it can only be done when a country is rich and strong. A country built and employed, stable and secure, as there is no justice in impoverished societies," said Dacic.

"Today we celebrate Easter, the feast of the victory of the life over death, and May Day, the holiday of workers' struggle and equality, on the same day. Both holidays are symbols of struggle for a fairer, freer and more humane world. I wish all citizens of our country to celebrate both holidays in peace and happiness with their loved ones," the Foreign Ministry cited Dacic as saying.