23. 02. 2026.

In the first two months of this year, more than 700 procedures for the peaceful settlement of individual labour disputes have been initiated before the Republic Agency for the Peaceful Settlement of Labour Disputes by employees and the management of JPKP “Lazarevac”. The decision to initiate the procedure before the Agency represents an example of a constructive approach and the willingness of both parties to resolve disputed issues without initiating court proceedings.

Opting for this mechanism is in line with the recommendation of the Government of the Republic of Serbia that beneficiaries of public funds should give priority to the peaceful settlement of labour disputes in order to avoid the high costs and lengthy duration of court procedures.

So far, a total of 721 procedures have been initiated, of which 435 were submitted through joint proposals of the parties, while 286 were submitted through individual proposals. According to announcements by representatives of employees and the employer, it is expected that additional proposals will be submitted in the coming period, which further confirms the trust in the work of the Agency.

This case clearly demonstrates that the peaceful settlement of labour disputes represents a fast, efficient and cost-effective way of protecting rights, as arbitral decisions that have the legal force of a final court judgment can be reached within a relatively short period of time—up to 30 days. At the same time, such an approach contributes to preserving stable labour relations and strengthening social dialogue.