2024-12-05

Labour Rights in Focus: How to Improve Occupational Health and Safety in Serbia?

Initiative for Global Solidarity (IGS)

Roundtable Discussion: Monitoring and Complaint Mechanisms for Occupational Health and Safety: Practice, Standards, and Risk Prevention

The promotion of sustainable practices in global supply chains, the strengthening of workers’ rights, and the alignment of legislation with European Union standards were the central themes of the roundtable discussion titled Monitoring and Complaint Mechanisms for Occupational Health and Safety: Practice, Standards, and Risk Prevention. The event, organised by the Centre for Democracy Foundation on 5 December 2024, took place within the framework of the Initiative for Global Solidarity (IGS).

Participants highlighted serious shortcomings in the implementation of Serbia’s Occupational Health and Safety Law and emphasised the importance of proper oversight. They stressed the need to strengthen the capacities of labour inspectorates and trade unions to ensure the rights of both workers and employers.

The discussion featured contributions from: Johanna Wohlmeyer (German Agency for International Cooperation, GIZ); Nataša Vučković (Centre for Democracy Foundation); Jovan Protić (International Labour Organisation); Bojan Urdarević (Faculty of Law, Professor); Nebojša Miletić (Union of Employers of Serbia); Duško Vuković (Confederation of Autonomous Trade Unions of Serbia); Ivana Gordić-Perc (VOICE); Dušan Pavlović (ACTA media), as well as representatives of independent institutions, trade unions, the media, and civil society organisations. The discussion was moderated by Journalist Marija Antić Šehić.

The roundtable underscored the need for improved collaboration among all relevant societal stakeholders—employers, trade unions, civil society, the media, and state institutions. Effective implementation of occupational health and safety legislation, as well as alignment with international standards, were identified as key factors for improving working conditions and protecting labour rights in Serbia. Participants agreed that providing adequate staffing and resources for labour inspectorates is essential for effective oversight. They also called for a stronger role for journalists in reporting on labour rights, to foster accountable and safe working environments.

This roundtable is part of the Initiative for Global Solidarity (IGS), implemented by GIZ in Serbia, as part of broader efforts to ensure the active participation of institutions, trade unions, civil society, the business community, and other stakeholders. The initiative aims to raise awareness concerning human rights protection in global supply chains and to provide insights into relevant international legislation and practices.

Agenda

The Initiative for Global Solidarity (IGS) project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Co-operation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by the German organisation for international cooperation - Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).