On behalf of more than 5 million of transport workers across Europe, ETF just sent a letter to the President of the European Commission denouncing a recent attack on fundamental rights in Serbia. This letter follows another one sent last week to the President and the Prime Minister of Serbia.
CONTEXT Last week, two leaders of the Sindikat kontrole letenja (SKL) – the trade union representing air traffic controllers in Serbia – were unlawfully dismissed after they concluded a successful strike and months of growing threats and different forms of pressure from the employer and public authorities.
The political context in Serbia is extremely tense. Air traffic controllers and their demands have been used by the government in attempts to disqualify the society-wide opposition movement and justify a tighter grip on power. Reports suggest that the recent dismissal of the two union leaders has also been politically motivated, targeting individuals who exercised their legitimate right to represent workers and engage in collective action.
You can find all details about this situation in this article.
URGENT CALL TO EUROPEAN LEADERS This dismissal came just days before the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen said, in Serbia, that “we (the EU) need to see progress, on the rule of law, the electoral framework and media freedom.” According to international fundamental rights and the principles governing the EU, such considerations must crucially include the respect and protection of trade union rights.
SERBIA’S ANTI-UNION RECORD Unfortunately, this development is no isolated case in Serbia – it comes after other concrete attacks to the fundamental right to organise of Serbian aviation workers in recent years. As an example, we recall the pending ILO complaint against the Government of Serbia (Case No 3465 of 8 May 2024). The European Commission is well aware of illegal anti-union practices in this country (cfr Serbia 2024 Report).
WE DEMAND! That the Serbian authorities guarantee respect for trade union rights;That investigations into these dismissals be conducted in a fully transparent, independent, and impartial manner;That the dismissed SKL leaders be immediately reinstated;That the broader environment for freedom of association, collective bargaining, and civil society in Serbia be safeguarded.
