Strikers block main railway artery

International trains are still unable to pass through Serbia, because of a strike by workers blocking the railway line in Lapovo, demanding unpaid wages. Employees of the May 1 Lapovo and Zastava-Electro companies are continuing to block the railway from Belgrade to Nis along Corridor 10 from Sofia to Istanbul. Strikers block main railway artery The workers, who have not been paid for eight months, began their action yesterday. They want wages for this period of time to be counted in their pensions. The workers also want the two factories to begin production again after being privatized. Strike representatives will be in Belgrade this afternoon to meet with Labor Ministry officials, but the railway will remain blocked until their wages are paid, the workers say, adding that Lapovo residents will soon be joining the protest. Serbian Railways stated that international trains going through Serbia would be using alternative routes, warning of significant delays. After yesterday’s protest, the workers slept on the train tracks last night. There were also reports yesterday that police would be called in to break up the blockade. News arrived sometime around noon today that negotiations regarding the workers’ demands would begin in Belgrade today. However, the announcement of negotiations has not changed the plans of protesters, who will continue blocking the tracks until their wages are paid.

Strikers block main railway artery

The workers, who have not been paid for eight months, began their action yesterday. They want wages for this period of time to be counted in their pensions. The workers also want the two factories to begin production again after being privatized.

Strike representatives will be in Belgrade this afternoon to meet with Labor Ministry officials, but the railway will remain blocked until their wages are paid, the workers say, adding that Lapovo residents will soon be joining the protest.

Serbian Railways stated that international trains going through Serbia would be using alternative routes, warning of significant delays.

After yesterday’s protest, the workers slept on the train tracks last night.

There were also reports yesterday that police would be called in to break up the blockade. News arrived sometime around noon today that negotiations regarding the workers’ demands would begin in Belgrade today.

However, the announcement of negotiations has not changed the plans of protesters, who will continue blocking the tracks until their wages are paid.