July, 2010

Law on Pension and Disability Insurance has united the trade unions in Serbia

On July 9, 2010 a joint meeting of representatives of the Confederation of Free Trade Unions, Association of Free and Independent Trade Unions, Industry Trade Unions of Serbia and United Trade Unions ‘Sloga’ was held in the Confederation of Autonomous Trade Unions of Serbia.

Primary topic at the meeting was a draft of the Law on Pension and Disability Insurance which severely diminishes current and former pensioners’ rights. There was also a discussion about a very difficult financial and social position of the employees. Seriousness of the topic has united the trade unions which have today come to the agreement to organize joint activities so that they would stop the adoption of the Law on Pension and Disability Insurance and other anti – labour measures.

This is the reason why the Prime Minister Mirko Cvetković will be asked to hold an urgent meeting that would deal with this and other important laws affecting the citizens and employees of Serbia, as well as with the privatization of some large companies and the public sector.

The trade unions leaders consider the proposed amendments and the method of their implementation unacceptable. Also it would be intolerable to introduce that Law in the parliamentarian procedure, without a previous mandatory discussion at the Social and Economic Council.

The trade unions will send their comments and key points about the Law on Pension and Disability Insurance to all parliament parties in a form of an amendment. Furthermore, by organizing various other activities they will publicly point out to all flaws of such a restrictive law.

If those activities prove to be unproductive, the trade unions will organize strikes and rallies at which, besides the requests related to that Law, they will divert everybody’s attention to the extremely difficult financial and social position of the employees, to the consequences of the economic crisis and lower salaries, privatization of public enterprises, job safety and unions’ amendments to the Labour Law.

       June, 2010

First session of the newly elected CATUS Council

ELECTION OF THE GENERAL SECRETARY AND PRESIDENCY MEMBERS

NOMINATION OF VICE-PRESIDENTS

On June 29, 2010 the CATUS Council held its first constitutional session with the newly elected members.

Slavica Savić was elected General Secretary and Vlada Andrić, Duško Vuković, Milorad Mijatović, Njegoš Potežica, Miodrag Randjelović and Zoran Mihajlović were nominated Vice-Presidents.

At the same session the decision concerning the book of rules of the Council, the affiliation of the Confederation of disabled workers of Serbia into the CATUS, as well as the size, structure, and work method of the Presidency were all adopted.

The new president of the Women Section is Djurdjica Jovović, the president of the Trade Union of Employees in Science and Research. The new president  of the Youth Section is Bojana Bijelović, working in the CATUS International Department .

The CATUS Council now has 114 members. Two thirds of them belong to the branch trade unions and one third to different territorial organizations. The seven members from the Teachers Union of Serbia and one member from the Trade Union of Judiciary Employees, will be verified by the Council after they hold their elections.    

The agenda also included the amendments to the Law on Pension and Disability Insurance, adopted by the Serbian Government.

The fact that the draft of this law was adopted, without a previous discussion at the Social-Economic Council and without respect for trade union’s suggestions and requests, was considered to be unacceptable.    

This law, whose amendments would greatly diminish the rights of current and future pensioners, is for them and the employees next in importance to the Labour Law, as pointed out by the CATUS President Ljubisav Orbović.

He also stressed that the CATUS was supporting the reform of the pension system, but not in a way that would lead to a significant reduction of current and future pensioners’ rights. That is the reason why the CATUS demanded these amendments to be discussed at the Social-Economic Council.

Since this law is expected to be pondered over at the parliament’s session in autumn, the CATUS will also invite other confederations and branch trade unions to organize a joint  action that would prevent the adoption of that law. Special attention will be devoted to motivating the public by setting up the  round tables and topic discussions that would include field experts. This would keep our citizens better informed about the changes brought by the new Law on Pension and Disability Insurance.

The Council authorized the Presidency to organize these activities in the following period. If they prove to be unproductive, the Presidency will decide on the further methods of trade union struggle including strikes and rallies. In that way the CATUS will divert everybody’s attention not only to its demands related to that particular law, but also to the employees’ difficult financial and social position, to the consequences of the economic crisis, as well as to the decrease of salaries and necessity to sign branch collective agreements.

17^th June, 2010

Second ITUC World congress

CATUS REPRESENTATIVES WILL PARTICIPATE IN ITUC WORLD CONGRESS

CATUS Representatives will participate in 2^nd ITUC World Congress which is to be held in Vancouver, Canada, from June 21^st to 25^th 2010. Theme of the 2^nd ITUC Congress is “Now, the people: from crisis to global justice”, and will provoke vigorous global action of trade unions, governments and international institutions in order to prevail implications of the crisis, and help those who are most affected, but least implicated in causing it.

International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) is the largest global trade union confederation emerged from unification of two world trade union confederations, IFTUC and WCL. Confederation of Autonomous Trade Unions of Serbia is full member in ITUC since its Founding Conference in 2006. Today, ITUC encompasses 176 million workers, 312 affiliated organizations in 155 countries.

 27^thMay, 2010

The 14^th CATUS Congress

The CATUS is growing up into a modern and efficient organization

The way to a modern and efficient organization, which will more successfully represent its members and be an important component of our society and international trade union movement, has been firmly paved at the 14^th CATUS Congress.

Around 1000 participants gave importance to this grand gathering in the hall of the House of Trade Unions in Belgrade. At this occasion it was announced that the CATUS would continue its active and constructive work with the employers and the Government. It will also lead workers in their struggle for social progress and make an effort for a greater trade union presence in our society – especially having in mind today’s complex social and economic situation.

The Congress was attended not only by numerous guests from branch trade unions and territorial trade union organizations, but also by the President of the Republic, ministers and representatives of employers and other national institutions.

The Congress was also attended by 25 foreign delegations, representatives of international trade union organizations and friendly trade unions from Europe and the whole world. There were also representatives from 6 foundations that the CATUS has been carrying out the projects with.

At the beginning of the Congress the participants could listen to “The  International”. Afterwards, there was a film about the history of the world trade union movement and the beginnings of a 107 year-old trade union organization.

In the introductory speech the President Ljubisav Orbović pointed out to the fact that there had never been more reasons to be concerned about the future than in these times when the living conditions are rapidly getting worse, the jobs are hard to find and workers’ rights are under attack.

There had been 213 job losses per day in Serbia since 2002. This trend is going on, so now there are more than 780.000 unemployed man and women. Unfavourable financial situation has led to a decrease in living standard and a fast rise in the number of poor people. Around 110 000 employees receive minimum salaries while 160 000 work without being paid, Orbović was precise.

According to his words, all of this led to an enormous dissatisfaction causing a great number of work stoppages, strikes and rallies. New forms of employees’ struggle and the length of strikes show that social situation in the country is getting more complex every day.

‘We were right when we pointed out that the main source of the difficulties we are facing is in a badly managed privatization of a huge number of enterprises. The proof of this is the fact that 25% of sales agreements have been annulled and this trend continues. Legal proceedings are underway, property is being devastated and many enterprises are going into bankruptcy.

 Orbović reiterated the CATUS willingness to opt for a dialogue as a permanent way of solving problems and the best means to achieve a better financial and social position of the employees. However, he said, if there is no dialogue or if the dialogue is not leading to а solution, it would not hesitate to use all other legal means in the struggle to reach its aims.

Continuing its work the Congress has chosen new members of the Auditing and Statutory Committees. It also adopted the Congress resolutions on social dialogue, collective agreements, working hours and privatization, as well as the declarations on the implementation of internal reforms, the new Statute and the protection of workers in Kosovo and Metohija.

The highest organ of the organization has also given another five year mandate to Ljubisav Orbovic as the CATUS president.  

In his final speech Orbović stressed that he was greatly honoured by the election which also made him extremely responsible for the future of the organization and added he intended to continue dealing with the CATUS reforms and its financial consolidation.

He thanked the delegates for their contribution to the Congress, which once again showed importance and seriousness of the CATUS.

“I hope that in two years time we shall be able to adopt a new Statute and implement reforms enabling us to become a modern and efficient organization. In that way we shall be more successful in representing our members and playing major role in the society and at the international level”, he concluded. As one of the CATUS priorities Orbovic especially emphasized the impotence of the struggle leading to the conclusion and implementation of branch collective agreements as the firmest guarantee that both employees’ and employers’ rights and obligations will be respected .

The Congress was covered by various media which regularly informed the public about its proceedings.

25^th February, 2010

PRESENTATION OF THE SOCIAL ECONOMIC COUNCIL OF SPAIN

 POSSIBILITIES OF COOPERATION

On the 25^th of February a round table – ‘Presentation of the Social Economic Council of Spain – possibilities of cooperation’ was held in Belgrade. Experts from Spain talked about their experience in the creation of social dialogue, especially in the period when Spain became the EU member. They also talked about the role of social partners and the way the Social Economic Council functioned.  The Social Economic Council of Spain has 60 members including representatives of trade unions and employers, as well as experts determined by the government. The Social Economic Council has a number of permanent and temporary commissions and it annually makes a couple of studies, analyses and researches which recognize a problem and analyse public’s opinion. That body is completely independent and it does not include representatives of the government. Although its opinion and references are not binding, they are important and represent common will and agreement between social partners.

  According to the claims of Spanish experts the Social Economic Council is one of the leading achievements of social dialogue and culture of negotiating in that country, which is certified by a magnificent building of 12 floors in Madrid as well as an annual budget of 1mil. Euros.

22^nd December, 2009

The Ministry is counting the number of CATUS and branch trade union application forms

SOON - CONFIRMATION OF THE CATUS REPRESENTATIVITY

Today, the representatives of the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy have started the process of determining the CATUS representativity.

The Confederation initiated this event because it considered the representativity among social partners should be determined and thus their actual power in the society confirmed.

 Even though the CATUS is aware of fulfilling all conditions envisaged by the Labour law, it wanted to confirm and reexamine its representativity which was previously determined in 2004.

The assistant of Minister of Labour Radmila Bukumirić-Katić said that the Ministry of Labour was responsible for determining representativity because the Board in authority hadn’t been functioning for eight months while the CATUS president Ljubisav Orbović said the representatives of that Confederation were no longer in this organ due to the fact that the Board wasn’t willing to consider the issue of representativity even after four years.

Orbović emphasized that the CATUS has 505 111 members, and 288 717 application forms were submitted for determining representativity.

‘I expect the rest of the trade unions, who wish to determine their representativity, to do the same because that is their legal obligation. Thus, we will know exactly who represents who in the Social Economic Council’, Orbović pointed out.

Wanting this process to be public and transparent the CATUS invited representatives of the media and other representative trade union confederations, as well as other trade unions interested in attending this event.

The event was attended by the representatives of the: Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, Association of Free and Independent Trade Unions, United Trade Unions of Serbia ‘Sloga’, Confederation of Trade Unions, Association of Employers in Road Maintenance, Trade Union of Electric Power Industry of Serbia and Singulus – Trade Union of Actors of Serbia. Although the representatives of the Association of Employers of Serbia and ‘Nezavisnost’ received the invitation, they did not come.

28^th October, 2009

CATUS delegation and IMF mission meeting

The representatives of IMF mission, who are in a formal visit in our country, met the CATUS representatives. The CATUS representatives presented to the IMF trade union views on further reforms and employees’ protection. This is the first meeting of that International Financial Organization with a trade union in Serbia, which shows that the biggest trade union in Serbia is an important, unavoidable and widely respectable partner.

CATUS delegation was led by the CATUS President Ljubisav Orbović, and there were also CATUS Council Vice-Presidents Vlada Andrić, Milorad Mijatović, Dragan Zarubica, Duško Vuković, Njegoš Potežica, Trade Union of Health and Social Protection President Doctor Branislava Plančak and Trade Union of Metal Workers of Serbia President Zoran Vujović.

IMF mission was led by Albert Jaeger and followed by Bogdan Lisovolik, the permanent IMF reperesentative in Serbia.

CATUS President Ljubisav Orbović explained our views on talks between IMF mission and Serbia’s Government, i. e issues concerning macroeconomic and financial stability as well as reduction of budget deficit. He particularly stressed CATUS attitude about reducing public consumption, solving problems with the payment of public incomes, putting grey economy in a realistic framework, reducing the number of employees in state and local organs, introducing reforms of the pension system and insurance for disabled individuals as well as other current issues.

The discussion also dealt with problems concerning salaries and pensions, unemployment, low living standard, economic growth, excessive state debts and reforms of health system.

Mr. Albert Jaeger presented to the CATUS delegation basic IMF views on problems concerning macroeconomic stability and the reduction of budget deficit, stating that freezing of salaries of the employees in the public sector and the pensions is unavoidable. He pinpointed a broader context of economic crisis in Serbia and emphasized that Serbia was in a critical position even before the arrival of global economic crisis.

After the IMF representatives tried to answer numerous questions put by the CATUS officials, Mr. Orbović thanked the IMF leaders for a chance to hear the voice of trade unions and expressed his hopes that the cooperation would continue.

27^th October, 2009

PROTECTION OF TU MEMBERS’ INTERESTS IN KOSOVO AND METOHIJA

AS ONE OF CATUS PRIORITIES

On the 22^nd of October, 2009 the second meeting of the CATUS representatives and The Autonomous Trade Unions of Kosovo (BSPK) representatives was held in Skopje. The basic aim of this talk was the privatization in Kosovo and Metohija and the protection of employees included in this process, no matter their nationality.  

Our delegation led by the Secretary of CATUS Council Slavica Savić consisted of Vice-Presidents of CATUS Council Dragan Zarubica and Vlada Andrić, the President of CATU Kosovo and Metohija Blažo Milosavljević and the Secretary of CATUS International Department Ivan Pavićević. The members of Albanian delegation were Vice-Presidents of BSPK  Jafer Jaferi and Hasan Abazi as well as the Secretary of BSPK International Department Dafina Mehaj while Enisa Selimović, SEE ITUC and PERC coordinator, played the role of a mediator.

Privatization in that Serbian region is carried out by the Law which was written outside Kosovo and it is particularly restrictive in relation to the employees and it made many of them redundant. Until now about 60% of enterprises, in other words 560 of them, have been privatised by Kosovo Agency for Privatization and the giant company “Trepča” is about to be privatized. The main role in the Agency’s Executive Board, with the right of veto, is devoted to people nominated by the High Representative, so the role of the trade union in that process is minor. The biggest problem is the payment of shares for former Serbian workers who no longer live in Kosovo and Metohija. Lists which are published in some of our newspapers aren’t available to them because of their problematic financial status, and every delay leads to the loss of privatization right. Therefore, the primary issue is giving timely information to the ones who are interested and this is actually one of the areas in which the two trade unions could cooperate on a much higher level.

It has been decided that the coordinators of these activities should be Hasan Abazi and Blažo Milosavljević who will periodically exchange information beneficial for both sides. By the end of January, 2010 the seminar concerning this topic and in joint organization will have been held. It has also been proposed that in the near future the agenda should include Labour Laws, trade union organization and strike. All of this would contribute to better cooperation between the Confederation and Federations, which is the wish of the both sides.

It has been planned that the meetings on the highest level should be held regularly and the next one is scheduled in May, 2010. ITUC and PERC promised all-in aid in holding those meetings.

7^th October, 2009

WORLD DAY FOR DECENT WORK

CATUS Vice-president Duško Vujović and the Secretary of CATUS Council Slavica Savić on October 6, 2009 at five to twelve, held a press conference concerning the World Day for Decent Work. The conference was held outdoors in the very center of the city of Belgrade, Knez Mihailova street. CATUS proclamation was read to the journalists.

Today on October 7,2009 all around Serbia, the above mentioned proclamation is sending the message to the employers and the government to provide their employees with decent work for decent life. This proclamation will be read in companies.

2^nd October, 2009

WORLD DAY FOR DECENT WORK – 7^th OCTOBER

World day for decent work will be marked in Serbia as well as in the whole wide world on 7^th of October.

On that day the representatives of the Confederation of autonomous trade unions of Serbia will hold a press conference, distribute leaflets and in companies all around Serbia read aloud a proclamation about the necessity of decent work.

On the world day of decent work, the CATUS will invite its members and all employees to ask their employers and the authorities to give them rights at work and the right to decent work which implies employment, employees’ rights, safety and social dialogue.

Decent work, which is a productive factor by its definition, is based on the belief that these four categories are necessary for better prospects of future social development.

The proclamation will point out that the global economic crisis is threatening jobs and the future of citizens. It will also state that the decades of deregulation and corruption, along with selfishness and greed of the few, have pushed Serbia and the world into the greatest recession after 1930.

That is the reason why decent work should be the central activity of the government and trade unions of all countries. This is done in order to encourage economic recovery and the creation of the new world economy which will regard people as the key element.

People in Serbia, especially the employees who are embittered by more often lay-offs and slow employment, refuse to be silent observers of overall economy decline and degradation of people in our country.

On that day everybody is invited to join the International trade union confederation in this year’s campaign for economic reform and recovery.

Thus they will have a chance to join millions of people all around the world in their unique movement aimed at changes that are supposed to provide new jobs, higher salaries and decent work.

4^th September, 2009

Statement  given by John Monks, ETUC General Secretary after the meeting with the representatives of the Confederation of Trade Unions of Serbia and “Nezavisnost” held in Brussels on the 2^nd and 3^rd September, 2009

Following a meeting in Brussels with Branislav Canak, President of “Nezavisnost”, and Ljubisav Orbovic, President of the Confederation of Autonomous Trade Unions of Serbia (CATUS), the General Secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) John Monks expressed the deep concern of the ETUC about the current economic situation in Serbia. 

He drew attention in particular to the involvement of the International Monetary Fund that sent a delegation to the country this week, and supported a joint request of the two Serbian unions for full consultation with them about the steps being proposed to resolve the economic crisis in Serbia. He said: “The measures under consideration will impose harsh conditions on many in Serbia and it is important that the union voice is adequately heard, not least their demand that the broadest shoulders bear the heaviest burdens.”

Other issues discussed, including trade union involvement in moves towards Serbia’s integration in the European Union, will be pursued in further talks in Belgrade and in the ETUC.

june 5, 2009.

The national round table “Promotion of rights and

representation of workers in informal economy"

28 May 2009. ,BW Hotel M".

Belgrade

The participants in the national round table in Belgrade have analysed the actions in the field of combating: informal economy. The main conclusions of the activity were: it is necessary to fully and thoroughly inform and educate all members of trade unions as well as persons engaged in the informal economy ( especially young people and women) on the manifestations, causes, entent and consequences of this phenomenon, in order to understand what is better for them and achieve their own interests:

The informal economy is a common problem for all three social partners and an image (a mirror ) of a disorganized society. It is necessary to further the work of applied multi-sectoral approach (keeping in mind the problems that occur in agriculture, construction, trade, etc.) and to include employees who work in the "gray zone" in the activities of trade unions:

It is necessary to do the networting of trade unions in the region, encourage exchange and cooperation of experts. determine the priority and to resolve the most common problems ITUС / PERC SEE Office Sarajevo /.

May 15, 2009.

FIRST MEETING OF CATUS AND  BSPK REPRESENTATIVES

On May 12, 2009, the first meeting of representatives of the Confederation of Autonomous Trade Unions of Serbia and the Union of Independent Trade Unions of Kosovo, organized through mediation of the ITUC and PERC, was held in Skopje. The CATUS delegation was lead by president Orbovic who was accompanied by Dusko Vukovic, vice-president, Blazo Milosavljevic, president of the Confederation of Autonomous Trade Unions of Kosovo and Metohija and Ivan Pavicevic, head of the CATUS International Department. The BSPK delegation was composed of president Haxhi Arifi, vice-presidents Xhafer Xhaferi and Hasan Abazi as well as Dafina Mehaj, head of the Office for International Cooperation. The role of chairperson and mediator was successfully played by the ITUC Deputy General Secretary Jaap Wienen who was assisted by the PERC Executive Secretary Grigor Gradev.

An agreement stipulating that only items related to the civil society in Kosovo and Metohija аrе то be included in the agenda, was fully respected. Aware of the hardships of the current situation and the impossibility for them to solve problems belonging to the “high  policy”, trade unionists from both confederations have focused their attention on finding solutions for burning social problems. The fact that our representatives acted  within the framework of the Serbian Constitution and resolution of the National Assembly related to Kosovo and Metohija, did not kept them from looking towards practical solutions that might alleviate the position of our members - both of those still living and working in the autonomous province and those who were forced to leave it under different kinds of pressure.

The most important result of the meeting is the very fact of its realization. However, the other results should not be neglected either: an agreement was made on the regular exchange of information on privatized companies in Kosovo and Metohija; both sides have shown willingness to participate at common round tables on privatization and industrial relations; they have both given their approval to common projects that should be assisted by the international organizations. The result of all these activities should be the increased well-being of K&M workers regardless of their nationality.

May 4, 2009.

The CATUS organized the May Day protest

ABOUT 30.000 PROTESTERS IN THE STREETS

Dissatisfied with a wrong, slow and insufficient moves of the government to alleviate consequences of the crisis the Confederation of Autonomous Trade Unions of Serbia (CATUS) has invited its membership, workers, pensioners, students and all citizens to participate in the protest held on April 29, 2009 in Belgrade.

At a nice weather, about 20.000 protesters got together. The Central Belgrade square of Nikola Pasic could not accept even one fifth of protesters who came from all parts of Serbia to express their dissatisfaction with the present situation, their concern about the uncertain future and to address government with their demands. After the CATUS leaders headed by Ljubisav Orbovic, President, addressed the participants of the protest, they walked through the center of Belgrade whistling and shouting when passing by the Parliament and the Privatization Agency. A column has stopped in front of the seat of the government that was secured by strong police forces. At that place protesters have turned their backs to the government symbolically pointing out that it did the same to them.

Ljubisav Orbovic addressing the assembled protesters has pointed out that the enormous number of citizens of Serbia were pushed into despair, poverty and poorness while at the same time the unbelievable corruption and flagrant theft took place, tycoons freely increased their already enormous wealth and public enterprises have been turned into parties’ feuds. He also said that the government has done nothing to disburden the economy, set in motion production and decrease the level of the informal economy. A number of dismissed workers grew fast and new employment slowly. On behalf of union members and workers he demanded salaries not to be decreased additionally and be regularly paid; many privatizations to be reexamined and those responsible for catastrophic mistakes punished; to additionally tax large profits. Union members and workers gathered at the protest to demand the government urgently and in a responsible way begins to solve accumulated problems.

The CATUS has received a number of solidarity messages. On behalf of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) the General Secretary Guy Ryder expressed their solidarity with the protest pointing out that “the crisis was not created by workers, but by greed of business people and failure of the governments to ensure transparency, accountability and distributive justice.” Among others, messages of support and solidarity were also sent by the NCHTU of Hungary, DEOK of Cyprus, GSEE of Greece, SSM of Macedonia, SS of Montenegro, CGIL of Italy, UGT of Spain, AFTU of Slovenia, Regional Trade Union Network of South East Europe.

April 6, 2009.

Dissatisfied with government’s measures to fight crisis

CATUS CALLS ON STRIKE AND PROTESTS ON APRIL 29, 2009

Due to a large dissatisfaction of employees and citizens caused by the announced measures of the government of Serbia that were not agreed with unions, the Council of the Confederation of Autonomous Trade Unions of Serbia at its meeting held on April 3, 2009 adopted unanimously a decision to call a general strike and to organize a protest of the employed in Serbia. The main rally will be held on April 29, 2009 in Belgrade.

At the same time, the Council has authorized the Presidency to invite all employed, citizens and other trade union centers to participate in protests and express their dissatisfaction with the government’s measures.

January 21, 2009.

 PROBLEMS WITH THE GENERAL COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT IN SERBIA PERSIST

After long and strenuous tripartite negotiations the General Collective Agreement (GCA) was finally signed on April 29, 2008, in Belgrade and came into effect on May 17, 2008. All signatories unanimously assessed it as very important contribution to macroeconomic, social and political stability of the country.

further

December 4, 2008.

THE CATUS BOYCOTTS SIGNING OF THE “DECENT WORK COUNTRY PROGRAMME 2008-2011”

-Consensus of social partners and true social dialogue  the CATUS’ condition for its support -

The CATUS decided not to participate in a meeting scheduled December 4, 2008 where “Decent Work Country Programme of the Republic of Serbia 2008-2011” had to be signed by social partners.

 In a letter addressed to the Minister of Labour and Social Affairs of Serbia, Mr Rasim Ljajic, the President of the CATUS Ljubisav Orbovic expresses regrets as representatives of the CATUS will not be present at the meeting and will not sign the Programme.

further

December 4, 2008.

The CATUS’ statement on attempts to devalue provisions of the General Collective Agreement

-The GCA to come into effect January 1, 2009-

The Confederation of Autonomous Trade Unions of Serbia as one of signatories of the GCA condemns the most severely malevolent attempts to unilaterally and contrary to the Law devalue provisions of the generally binding GCA that will come into effect on January 1, 2009 by inadequate statements in public and media.

further

November 6, 2008.

Decision on extension of the National Collective Agreement signed on November 6, 2008

MORE RIGHTS AND UNIONS MORE EFFICIENT INSTRUMENT FOR PROTECTION

Long expected decision on extension of the National Collective Agreement was signed by the Minister of Labour Mr Rasim Ljajic on November 6, 2008. Present at the signing also were representatives of the Confederation of Autonomous Trade Unions of Serbia headed by Ljubisav Orbovic, President; UGS Nezavisnost and the Union of Employers of Serbia.

October 20, 2008.

The CATUS demands decision on prices rise to be cancelled

STRONG PROTEST AGAINST EXCESSIVE PRICES RISE

The CATUS strongly protests against massive, dramatic and excessive wave of prices rise that takes Serbia back to a period we all believe was left behind us. Prices rise will shake the very foundation of domestic budget of Serbian citizens and pensioners

further

October 11, 2008.

Belgian Textile Union President in Belgrade

VISIBLE RESULTS CAN BE ACHIEVED ONLY BY COOPERATION

In Belgrade, on October 8 and 9, 2008 a seminar was held that was attended by Dirk Uyttenhove, President of the Belgian Textile Trade Union, Radojko Jovanovic President of Textile Workers Union of Serbia, members of the Republican Committee and presidents of major company unions in the branches of textile and leather. The seminar was organized in the frame of traditional cooperation between the Textile, Leather and Footwear Workers Union of Serbia and ACV Textura of Belgium.

further

October 10, 2008.

CATUS marked the World Day of Decent Work

PRESIDENT ORBOVIC AND OTHER LEADERS PARTICIPATED IN A RALLY

Activities of the CATUS to mark the World Day of Decent Work were finalized by a rally held in the Trade Union hall in Belgrade on October 7, 2008. About 500 union activists from all over Serbia got together to send a message to the public that decent work is a common denominator for a better life of workers and citizens of Serbia.

further

September 25, 2008.

Press and media conference in the Council of the CATUS

WORLD DECENT WORK DAY

Press and media conference was held in Belgrade on September 24, 2008 in the Council of the CATUS that announced the activities that would be undertaken on the World Day of Decent Work October 7, 2008. 

Said Ljubisav Orbovic, the CATUS President that day will be “a crown of the CATUS’s efforts to make the idea of decent work reality for all in Serbia”.  He also expressed expectations that on that day general binding of the National Collective Agreement would be signed representing the best way to contribute to achievement of that aim.

September 18, 2008.

 Social and Economic Council Meeting

MINIMUM WAGE ESTABILISHED

At its meeting held beginning of September, the Social and Economic Council of the Republic of Serbia (SES) established a new minimum wage of 13.572,00 RSD (174€) i.e. 78,00 RSD (1€) per hour.

A working group was also established to calculate what the cost of general binding of the National Collective Agreement would be and to analyze competitiveness of Serbia to countries in the region. The group consists of one representative of the Premier’s cabinet, Ministry of finances, Employers’ Association and representative unions each.

The group will also analyze the public spending and how to decrease it providing at the same time for socially responsible state and stable economic growth.

It is expected that the general binding of the NCA will be signed solemnly on October 7, 2008 at the World Day for decent work that will be marked by unions, the NGOs and the ILO worldwide.

Mr Stevan Avramovic of the Employers’ Association was elected the new Chairman of the SES and Ms Cedanka Andric was elected Secretary.   

September 3, 2008.

Some macroeconomic indicators in the Republic of Serbia

 for the period January-June 2008

 In June this year the average gross wage was 45.608,00 RSD (592,32 €); the average net wage was 32.648,00 RSD (424,00 €). A minimum wage per hour in January-June 2008 was 70,00 RSD (0,91 €).

A number of the employed in June was 2.000.145 in the state owned companies and in private sector 574.466. As far as unemployment is concerned, in June 2008 there were 756.453 unemployed people out of which 409.419 were women and 347.034 men. The unemployment rate was 24,62%.

In the age group of 19-25 years 15,31% were unemployed; in the group of 26-30 years of age 12,93% were unemployed; from 41-50 years – 23,57% and in the age group over 50 years 23,13% were unemployed.

An average basket of needs amounted 33.053,00 RSD (429,26 €) in May 2008 and the minimum one amounted 21.379,00 RSD (277,65 €).

August 12, 2008.

The CATUS Youth Section participated in a manifestation organized by the SUS

THE INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY

The Students Union of Serbia organized a manifestation to mark the International Youth Day on August 12, 2008 in Belgrade at the Ada Ciganlija island. The CATUS Youth Section together with other 40 youth organizations used the opportunity to present their activities. The CATUS Youth Section had its stand where it distributed promotional materials, talked with visitors about the activities of the CATUS and the Youth Section aimed at the improvement of the youth’s position in society, during education time, at the time of getting employed and at the work place. The manifestation was financially supported by the CATUS.

The Friedrich Ebert Foundation that has for years now assisted the activities of the CATUS Youth Section presented it with a computer and the accompanied equipment that will help the CATUS Youth Section in its activities and to complete furnishing an office for its future work.

June 19, 2008.

DEMANDS TO A NEW GOVERNMENT

At its meeting held on June 19, 2008 the CATUS Council positively assessed the May Day protests as successful as well as a preceding series of round tables and different meetings that lead to the General Collective Agreement conclusion and the Protocol on Understanding with the President of Serbia Mr Tadic signing. The latter supported the CATUS’ efforts to establish regular social dialogue in Serbia.

That was also one of the demands adopted by the Council together with the general binding of the GCA, implementation of the faster employment programme, review of the results of privatization that has been carried out until now, reduction of inflation and drastic living costs raise, creation of an economic ambience that would result in decent salaries and pensions. It was also concluded that the European Social Charter should be urgently ratified and all forms of corruption and misuses eliminated.

June 4, 2008.

CATUS DEMANDS GENERAL COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT

TO BE GENERALLY BINDING

The President of the CATUS Ljubisav Orbović said he expected a decision on the General Collective Agreement general binding to be taken at the next meeting of the government of the Republic of Serbia.

 “We demand the GCA to be applied to all workers in Serbia meaning that each and everyone would have equal rights and all employers would have the same responsibilities. Now, the GCA applies to employers affiliates of the Employers’ Association only”, said Orbović at the press conference. The demand was addressed to the Minister of Labour and  Social Welfare Mr Rasim Ljajić.

  Orbović invited the Minister to sign the decision in a shortest period and emphasized the CATUS would be „very energetic“ if the GCA was not made generally binding. He explained that the GCA was signed on April 29, 2008 in a form that was agreed three years ago between the Employers’ Association, the CATUS and the UGS Nezavisnost. The GCA took effect on May 17, 2008.

Orbović has invited political parties who participated in negotiations on the new Serbian government formation to act quickly.

 „We are in favour of the European Serbia to which investments will come and the new jobs will be created. We demand Serbia with a single social justice for everybody and expect politicians to come out with their clear stands as there is no time for calculations and political games now,” said he.

May 14, 2008.

All China Federation of Trade Unions

ATTN XU ZHENHUAN, VICE CHAIRMAN

Dear Colleague,

On our way home we have learnt the tragic news about the quake. On behalf of the Confederation of Autonomous Trade Unions of Serbia, our members and Serbian workers I express to Chinese people and workers, to you and the ACFTU the deepest condolences on the occasion of the devastating consequences of the quake that struck the Central Province of Sichuan.

Although we are aware of the fact that human lives can not be made up we are sure that people and workers of China will very soon successfully overcome consequences of the quake.

During our delegation’s visit to the ACFTU we have assured ourselves of enormous achievements and extraordinary results of Chinese workers’ and union members’ work. We have been equally impressed by the progress of your country and peoples’ and workers’ living standard improvement.

On behalf of our delegation, we thank you, the ACFTU and all colleagues that we had met for hospitality and opportunity to learn more about your activities and plans for the future ones. Please convey our greetings to the ACFTU Chairman Wang Zhaoguo.

I seize this opportunity to confirm our readiness to take part in our common activities in the frame of the forthcoming ILO’s conference as well as in our further bilateral cooperation.

With fraternal regards,

CATUS President

Ljubisav Orbović

May 14, 2008.

Delegation of the CATUS headed by the President Ljubisav Orbovic

visited All China Federation of Trade Unions

May 6-12, 2008

On the invitation of the All China Federation of Trade Unions a delegation of the CATUS headed by its President Ljubisav Orbović visited China May 6-12, 2008. Members of the delegation were the CATUS Vice-presidents Vlada Andrić, the President of the Belgrade CATU, Duško Vuković, the President of  the Construction and Building Materials Industry Workers’ Union of Serbia and Miodrag Bradonjić, Secretary of the Provincial Council of the CATU of Vojvodina.

A visit resulted from the long-standing good relations between the two organizations characterized by a fruitful exchange of opinions and experiences from their work and activities in the international field.

The delegation has visited Beijing and a city of Chindao in the Eastern Shandong Province. In Beijing the President Orbović has talked with a Vice Chairman of the ACFTU Xu Zhenhuan and has exchanged information about  current developments in the two countries as well as a role and activities of unions for the protection of workers. Mentioned also were important aspects of developments in the international field, policy, economy and union related.

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May 5, 2008.

 GENERAL COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT FINALLY SIGNED

On April 29, 2008 after dragging out for three years now by the Union of Employers of Serbia, the General Collective Agreement was signed. On behalf of the unions, the GCA was signed by the President of the CATUS Ljubisav Orbovic and the President of the UGS Nezavisnost Branislav Canak. Mr Stevan Avramovic, President of the Employers’ Association signed the GCA on behalf of the employers. Present were the President of the Republic of Serbia Mr Boris Tadic and Minister of Labour Mr Rasim Ljajic.

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May 2, 2008.

 CATUS MOBILIZES 15 000 WORKERS AT A RALLY IN BELGRADE

On the occasion of the May Day about 15 000 members of the biggest Serbian confederation gathered at Nikola Pasic Square in the very centre of Belgrade. Buses coming from all parts of Serbia started arriving a few hours before the beginning of the rally. Long columns of workers streamed towards the meeting point where a stage with loudspeakers was erected since early morning hours.

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April 2, 2008.

THE CATUS: WEAK  SOCIAL DIALOGUE IN SERBIA SERIOUSLY THREATENS ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

One of the reasons for the protest that the Confederation of Autonomous Trade Unions of Serbia will organize on 2008 May Day is a state of social dialogue as a basic prerequisite for a sound economic and social development both at the level of the country and at the local level.

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March 26, 2008.

 CATUS protest on the May Day 2008

Confederation of Autonomous Trade Unions of Serbia (CATUS), all branch unions and trade union organizations and their membership have been expressing their dissatisfaction with the existing situation and drawing the attention of the employers and authorities in Serbia for some time now to the following:

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Belgrade

February 26, 2008.

THE CATUS LEADERS MET REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ILO

Slavica Savic, General Secretary of the CATUS, Dragan Zarubica, Vice-president and Ivan Pavicevic, International Secretary met Ms Petra Ulshoefer, Director of the ILO Regional Office in Budapest February 26, 2008 in the CATUS Council in Belgrade. As Ms Ulshoefer will occupy a new post in Geneva she took the opportunity of her farewell visit to introduce officially Mr. Jovan Protic, future the ILO’s coordinator for Serbia to the CATUS leaders. The establishment of the ILO office for Serbia will alleviate considerably communication with that organization and contribute to a more successful realization of projects that will follow.

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February 25, 2008.

The Social and Economic Council of Serbia decided

MINIMUM WAGE PER HOUR 70 RSD (0,75 €)

The Social and Economic Council of Serbia has taken a decision on a minimum wage according to which it would be 70 RSD (0,57 €) net per hour in the period January-June 2008. It is by 10,24% higher than the previous one.

February 21, 2008.

APPEAL TO NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE UNION ORGANIZATIONS

Dear Colleagues,

It is for many years now that from our members in Kosovo and Metohija we have been receiving information depicting only some of horrors that the unfortunate non-Albanian workers are daily faced with. This time we are not going to speak about more or less known facts – about murders ethnically based, banishment of two thirds of non-Albanian population, plundering and private property destruction, mass demolition of churches.

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