The Center for Democracy Foundation (FCD) has called on relevant state authorities and institutions to provide full support to workers losing their jobs in factories, both at the local and national levels, and to present a clear economic development plan that would ensure sustainable employment.
“In just the past few weeks and months, several factories have announced closures: ‘Kentaur’ in Vranje (more than 250 workers losing their jobs), the Subotica-based factory ‘Flender’ (350 workers laid off), ‘Trendteks’ in Bela Palanka (50 workers affected), and ‘Leoni’ in Niš, which is shutting down and will leave 1,900 workers unemployed. Before that, companies such as ‘Benetton,’ ‘Johnson Electric,’ and ‘Draexlmaier’ also announced layoffs,” the FCD stated in a press release.
The Foundation questioned what the government’s plan is in a situation where it is evident that Serbia’s current economic development model is highly vulnerable and risks leaving a large number of workers without livelihoods, especially amid general economic instability.
“Workers’ rights in Serbia are seriously endangered, while the existing legal framework, weak enforcement of labor laws, and lengthy labor dispute procedures have led to insecure and poorly paid jobs. The Center for Democracy Foundation advocates for urgent reform of labor legislation in line with European Union and International Labour Organization standards,” the statement said.
