In May 2025, two procedures for the peaceful settlement of collective labour disputes were successfully concluded at the Aranđelovac Health Centre, representing a good practice example in the application of the peaceful dispute resolution mechanism within a healthcare institution.

The first procedure concerned the implementation of Article 105 of the Special Collective Agreement for Employees in Healthcare, specifically regarding the provision of appropriate New Year gifts for employees' children up to the age of 15. The procedure was initiated at the proposal of the United Trade Unions of Serbia “Sloga” – the Health and Social Care Union, with the employer’s consent. The process was led by Professor Dr Sanja Škorić, a conciliator of the Agency. Following two sessions, the parties reached a consensus and adopted a joint recommendation. This recommendation, in addition to the specific issue, also regulated how this right would be exercised by all employees, regardless of their type of employment.

The second procedure related to the application of the collective agreement in the part concerning the adoption and implementation of the Risk Assessment Act. It was initiated ex officio, pursuant to Article 18 of the Law, in accordance with the employer’s obligation to participate in peaceful dispute resolution in activities of general interest. The process was led by conciliator Milena Tasić, with the conciliation board comprising representatives of several trade union organisations within the Aranđelovac Health Centre, as well as employer representatives. Three sessions were held in this procedure, after which a recommendation was adopted, defining full compliance with the provisions of the Special Collective Agreement relating to the participation of representative trade unions in the work of the Management Board, in risk assessment processes, and in informing and preparing documentation relevant to employees. Special emphasis was placed on ensuring transparency in the risk assessment procedure and cooperation with the external provider of the assessment, in line with regulations and internal policies.

Based on both recommendations, Agreements on the Peaceful Settlement of Collective Labour Disputes were concluded, thereby formally completing the procedures.

Both procedures were concluded in the spirit of social dialogue, with active participation from the parties and professional conciliation by the Agency’s conciliators. The resulting recommendations represent good practice in the application of the peaceful settlement mechanism and contribute to improving labour relations and respecting collective agreements in healthcare institutions.

It is particularly noteworthy that two separate procedures were conducted simultaneously within the same institution, positioning the Aranđelovac Health Centre as a responsible and constructive employer, willing to cooperate with social partners and act in accordance with the law and good practice.

At the invitation of the European Commission, the Republic Agency for the Peaceful Settlement of Labour Disputes took part in a knowledge-sharing seminar titled “Structured Dialogue for Collective Bargaining and Collective Agreements”, held in Larnaca, Cyprus, from 19 to 20 May 2025. The seminar brought together representatives of institutions from 13 EU Member States and Serbia, representatives of the European Commission, social partners from the host country, as well as social partners at the European Union level.

During the two-day seminar, the Agency had the opportunity to present its work and achievements, with particular emphasis on the role and potential involvement of conciliators in the process of drafting collective agreements. We highlighted the activities our institution carries out in cooperation with social partners and the ILO, aimed at promoting the importance of collective bargaining in Serbia.

The seminar provided an excellent opportunity for the exchange of knowledge and experiences with institutions and social partners from other European countries. Despite differing traditions and models of social dialogue, it became clear that all participating countries face similar challenges: a decline in collective bargaining coverage, decreasing trade union and employers’ association membership, decentralisation of bargaining from sectoral to enterprise level, as well as fragmentation and a lack of interest from certain employers.

Special attention was devoted to ways of strengthening the capacities of social partners, adapting legislative frameworks to new labour market conditions, and reinforcing institutions that support social dialogue. EU initiatives were presented, such as the Pact for Social Dialogue, new regulatory frameworks, and various mechanisms of financial support, including funding from the European Social Fund.

It was concluded that continuous investment in capacity-building and the strengthening of the role of conciliators and arbitrators is essential, as is the creation of a supportive legal and institutional framework for collective bargaining.

The Republic Agency for the Peaceful Settlement of Labour Disputes will continue to actively engage in these processes and to translate best practices into the domestic context.

At the company “Dijamant” LLC from Zrenjanin, the process of peaceful settlement of a collective labour dispute has been successfully concluded, thanks to the conciliation facilitated by the Republic Agency for the Peaceful Settlement of Labour Disputes.

The dispute was initiated by the Trade Union Organisation of the Autonomous Trade Union of “Dijamant” JSC, due to the need to amend the collective agreement. The employer agreed to resolve the dispute through peaceful means, and the other representative trade union in the company – the Trade Union of “Dijamant” LLC – also took part in the process.

In accordance with the law, a conciliation board was established, comprising representatives of both parties to the dispute. Jasmina Čuturilo acted as the conciliator and chair of the board. After two sessions held in a constructive atmosphere, an agreement was reached on 29 April 2025, and the wording of a joint recommendation on the method of amending the collective agreement was harmonised.

The recommendation provides detailed regulation of the amendments to the provisions of the agreement concerning workers’ rights – from paid leave and minimum coefficients for wage calculation to the amount of the base salary. In addition, the deletion of certain provisions and the introduction of new ones were agreed, in line with the needs and realistic possibilities of both employees and the employer.

This procedure represents yet another example of good practice in the peaceful resolution of collective disputes in Serbia, and serves as proof that social dialogue – with the support of the Agency – is not only possible, but also highly effective when both sides show willingness to cooperate.

As part of the celebration of 20 years of work of the Republic Agency for the Peaceful Settlement of Labour Disputes, a significant event was held on April 4, 2025, at the premises of the National Bank of Serbia. The event brought together an international conference, an introductory training for newly appointed conciliators and arbitrators, and the first interactive training session.

The event was officially opened by the Director of the Republic Agency for the Peaceful Settlement of Labour Disputes, Dr Ivica Lazović, who presented the Agency’s achievements and the challenges it has faced. He emphasized the importance of promoting peaceful labour dispute resolution as a mechanism for achieving fair outcomes in a fast and efficient manner.

The programme included the presentation of awards to institutions and organizations that have made a significant contribution to the development of peaceful dispute resolution in Serbia. Agency plaques were awarded to the Ministry of Labour, Employment, Veteran and Social Affairs; Acting Director of the Occupational Safety and Health Directorate Nikola Banjac; the Employers’ Union of Serbia, represented by President Miloš Nenezić; the Confederation of Autonomous Trade Unions of Serbia, represented by Vice President Duško Vuković; the UGS “Nezavisnost” Confederation, represented by President Čedanka Andrić; the Association for Labour Law and Social Insurance of Serbia, represented by Vice President Professor Dr Senad Jašarević; and the Initiative for Development and Cooperation, represented by Director Miodrag Nedeljković.

A key highlight of the event was the exceptional lecture by Professor Dr Kostas Papadimitriou, professor at the Faculty of Law, University of Athens, and former President of the Greek Organisation for Mediation and Arbitration (OMED). Professor Papadimitriou shared valuable experiences from Greece, emphasizing the importance of social dialogue and the role of peaceful dispute resolution in preserving stable labour relations.

The event continued with two panel discussions dedicated to conciliation and arbitration. Experienced conciliators and arbitrators shared their practical insights and highlighted the key steps in peaceful dispute resolution procedures. The panel Conciliation in Practice featured Professor Dr Senad Jašarević, Miljko Valjarević, and Ružica Erceg, while the panel Arbitration in Practice included Srdjan Dobrica, Slađana Andrić, and Sanja Stanišić. Both panels were moderated by Jovana Spaić Erdeljan, coordinator at the ILO. These discussions were particularly valuable for the newly appointed conciliators and arbitrators, providing them with real-world examples and practical advice on handling procedures and potential challenges.

Participants also had the opportunity to attend a lecture by Milena Tasić titled Conciliation and Mediation in Labour Disputes – Conflict Management Approaches and Mediator Skills, based on training delivered by the ILO Centre in Turin.

With this event, the Republic Agency for the Peaceful Settlement of Labour Disputes continues to celebrate its important anniversary while strengthening cooperation with domestic and international partners to enhance social dialogue and foster fairer labour relations.

At the premises of the General Hospital in Gornji Milanovac, an agreement was signed resolving a collective labour dispute between the hospital and the “Sloga” Health and Social Care Trade Union. The agreement was successfully reached through the conciliation of the Republic Agency for the Peaceful Settlement of Labour Disputes, whose professional involvement facilitated constructive dialogue and a fair solution for both parties.

The conciliation procedure was initiated by the trade union, with the consent of the hospital management, and Professor Dr Dejan Logarušić—listed in the Register of Conciliators and Arbitrators of the Republic Agency for the Peaceful Settlement of Labour Disputes—was appointed as the acting conciliator. A Conciliation Board was formed, consisting of representatives of both parties and the conciliator, with the goal of bringing positions closer and reaching a mutually acceptable solution.

The agreement established measures aimed at improving working conditions for employees, including enhanced communication between employer and employees, and a more precise application of the collective agreement, which will positively impact employee well-being. One specific provision of the agreement allows all children of hospital employees up to the age of 15 to receive a New Year’s gift. This decision represents a significant step towards improving the working environment and demonstrates the hospital management's care not only for the professional duties of employees but also for their families.

This procedure confirmed that constructive dialogue is the most effective way to resolve labour disputes, contributing to the preservation of social peace and the improvement of labour relations. The successful resolution of this dispute sets a positive example for other healthcare institutions in Serbia facing similar challenges, highlighting the importance of cooperation and peaceful conflict resolution for mutual progress.

The Republic Agency for Peaceful Settlement of Labour Disputes has once again demonstrated that it is a reliable institution for all those who believe they are exposed to workplace mobbing. In a recent case initiated by a joint proposal from a faculty of the University of Belgrade and one of its employees, a mutually satisfactory settlement was reached.

The case was conducted in a closed procedure, with Slađana Andrić appointed as the arbitrator. During the process, the arbitrator held both joint and individual meetings with the parties, enabling a thorough and constructive resolution of all contentious issues.

Both parties showed a high level of responsibility and dedication in seeking a resolution. Through the proceedings, they were able to clarify communication misunderstandings and agree on all disputed matters. The agreement has created the foundation for a pleasant and productive working environment, free of interpersonal conflicts.

This case is yet another example that confirms the Agency's role as a trustworthy institution for resolving workplace mobbing cases, offering an effective alternative to lengthy court proceedings and enforcement of the Law on the Prevention of Harassment at Work.