Annual Conference “Labour Rights and Decent Work in Serbia: State of Play and Directions for Reform”

The Center for Democracy Foundation organized, on April 8, 2026, within the project “Labour Rights and Decent Work in Socio-Economic Reforms in Serbia – Black on White,” with the support of the Olof Palme International Center, the annual conference “Labour Rights and Decent Work in Serbia: State of Play and Directions for Reform.”

In the context of ongoing reform processes and challenges in the labour market, the aim of this year’s conference was to provide a comprehensive overview of the state of labour rights in Serbia, as well as to encourage dialogue on key priorities and directions for improving public policies in this field.

The conference brought together representatives of trade unions, institutions, civil society, academia, the media, and the business sector, with the goal of exchanging views and formulating concrete recommendations for improving the position of workers in Serbia.

At the conference, the Annual Report on the State of Labour Rights in the Republic of Serbia for 2025 was presented, the situation of labour rights was analyzed from sectoral perspectives, and discussions were held on reform directions and legislative priorities.

The discussion included: Danilo Milić, Olof Palme International Center; Bojan Urdarević, Faculty of Law, University of Kragujevac; Jovan Protić, International Labour Organization; Čedanka Andrić, UGS Nezavisnost; Svetlana Budimčević, Serbian Association of Employers; Nađa Gojović, Confederation of Autonomous Trade Unions of Serbia; Jovana Misailović, Faculty of Law, University of Kragujevac; Marija Babić, NUNS; Dušan Kokot, Independent Trade Union of Educational Workers of Serbia; Milorad Bjeletić, Belgrade Open School; Gorica Đokić, Trade Union of Doctors and Pharmacists of Serbia; Slađana Kiković, UGS Nezavisnost; Tanja Jakobi, Public Policy Research Center; Milena Minja Bogavac, Center E8 (Reflektor Theatre); Milica Borjanić, National Youth Council of Serbia; Tara Rukeci Milivojević, Zrenjanin Social Forum; Nataša Vučković, Center for Democracy Foundation.

The discussion assessed that labour legislation in Serbia is largely stagnating, progress is very limited, and there is no meaningful social dialogue in society. The position of workers is becoming increasingly complex, while workers are becoming ever more invisible to authorities, employers, the media, and the wider public.

PHOTO GALLERY: “Labour Rights and Decent Work in Serbia: State of Play and Directions for Reform” >>>

The issue of decent work is not an abstract policy question, but a matter of everyday life, of security, dignity, and people’s future. Decent work and economic growth go hand in hand. Changes in the environment are becoming faster and faster, while the regulatory framework cannot keep pace. In such circumstances, a large number of workers lack necessary protection, both legal and institutional. It is essential to recognize these changes and respond to them more swiftly. Because decent work is not a luxury, it is a precondition for sound and sustainable development.

Civil society, social partners, trade unions, and a significant part of employers’ organizations advocate against the fragmentation of labour legislation, and therefore expect amendments, or the adoption of a new Labour Law. The manner of implementation of legal regulations is of utmost importance, that is, how institutions protect labour rights, given that labour rights form part of the broader corpus of human rights.

VIDEO:

Opening of the Conference

Danilo Milić, Olof Palme International Center
Nataša Vučković, Center for Democracy Foundation

Panel I: The State of Labour Rights in Serbia 2025 – Key Findings and Recommendations

Presentation of the annual report.

Panelists:

Jovana Misailović, Faculty of Law, University of Kragujevac
Bojan Urdarević, Faculty of Law, University of Kragujevac
Nataša Vučković, Center for Democracy Foundation

Panel II: The World of Work in Serbia – Sectoral Perspectives and Challenges

Overview of the real position of employees across different sectors, with a focus on differences, challenges, and specific issues.

Panelists:

Education, Dušan Kokot, Independent Trade Union of Educational Workers of Serbia
Public administration, Nađa Gojović, Confederation of Autonomous Trade Unions of Serbia
Healthcare system, Gorica Đokić, Trade Union of Doctors and Pharmacists of Serbia
Industry, small and medium-sized enterprises, Slađana Kiković, UGS Nezavisnost
Platform economy, Tanja Jakobi, Public Policy Research Center
Media workers, Marija Babić, NUNS
Culture, Milena Minja Bogavac, Center E8 (Reflektor Theatre)
Foreign workers, Tara Rukeci Milivojević, Zrenjanin Social Forum
Moderator: Nataša Vučković, Center for Democracy Foundation