Minister promises "better times," unions protest

Minister promises "better times," unions protest

"An increase of salaries and pensions was not expected in the first year of reforms, but thanks to the effort of the whole society, we have a chance to hope for that," said Vulin.

Vulin, who holds the labor portfolio in the government of Aleksandar Vucic, spoke during an event his party organized in Backa Palanka to mark May 1, Labor Day in Serbia.

Welcoming the numerous citizens gathered at the Tikvara resort, Vulin said that a year ago "criticism of the new Labor Law was heard, because it would supposedly further increase unemployment in Serbia."

"I listened when they said that the Labor Law was no good, that Vucic was no good, that the government was no good. And now, when we are increasing salaries and pensions, will somebody apologize and admit their mistakes," asked Vulin and "stressed that one of the most important success of the current government is that it created conditions for this country to never again be ruled by tycoons."

He also said that Serbia will not only preserve the existing level of employment and social rights, but that "an effort will be made to improve them."

Journalists then asked for comment on the opinion of the citizens' ombudsman that the labor market situation in Serbia is poor, and Vulin said it was "an economic thing," adding that unemployment rate was now "16.8 percent" - "which is significantly lower than when we came to power in 2012."

"It's still high and therefore we are fighting to make the situation in this area better as soon as possible," said Vulin.

Unions protest

Representatives of the Confederation of Autonomous Trade Unions of Serbia (SSSS) and the United Branch Unions (UGS) Nezavisnost (Independence) on Friday organized a protest walk in Belgrade to mark Labor Day and show their dissatisfaction with the lower standard of living, fewer rights granted to workers, and cuts in pensions and salaries.

Unions activists and citizens from Belgrade and other parts of Serbia were addressed by UGS Nezavisnost leader Branislav Canak, who said it was time for workers to take to the streets and start fighting. He accused the government of considering trade unions as partners only when they are in agreement, and noted that the working class in this country has had awareness of its rights "taken away from it."

Canak said that the Labor Law "destroyed all that could be destroyed," and needed to be changed once again.

"The next May 1 must be different, or we will perish. We have reached the end, it's time to start fighting for ourselves because nobody else will do it."

SSSS leader Ljubisav Orbovic said in his speech that workers are asking only to be able to afford decent lives, and that this is something to be fought for 356 days a year. He voiced his support for the laid off workers of the Informatika company from Novi Sad, saying they have been left jobless "thanks to partisan politics," and urged all unions and workers to show their solidarity.

Representative of the Association of Unions of Pensioners Milorad Vujasinovic also spoke at the rally to qualify the government's decision to cut public sector salaries and pensions as "a disgrace." Pensioners are not now asking for "a pension increase, like the prime minister is saying," he observed, and added they merely want "what's been taken away to be returned."

Union leaders also criticized those who "opted for barbecues" on Labor Day instead of showing their dissatisfaction with the state of Serbia's society.