• 2021-09-02

CDF Supports Trade Unions in the Fight for Labour Rights and Decent Work

Stemming from the current negotiations on minimum wage, the Center for Democracy Foundation offers its full support to the trade unions in their demand that the minimum wage be increased to RSD 39,000.

There are over 350,000 employees in Serbia earning a minimum wage of RSD 32,000 (EUR 272.00) as a regular salary, and a large number of employees are earning a salary that barely surpasses this amount, earnings that barely reach the level of the already-destitute minimum consumer basket and which cannot cover the basic needs of the workforce and their families.

Negotiations held to-date with social partners concerning minimum wage just serve to emphasis the dire outcome: even if those working for a minimum wage receive this bump, they will still be forced to live on the poverty line, which will increase the risk of causing poverty levels, which are already on the rise, to spike in Serbia.

We implore our partners in the Social and Economic Council to make a greater effort to assist in increasing the minimum wage of employees with the lowest monthly earnings, giving them the chance to earn a decent living.

The Center for Democracy Foundation will continue to work toward strengthening the capacities of key actors and improving social dialogue, promoting decent work and sharing knowledge and experience in terms of the steps required to enhance the position of workers in Serbia. 

Center for Democracy Foundation