ETF urges EU and EASA to act over unlawful dismissals of Serbian air traffic controllers and launches petition
The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) has intensified its efforts to defend the unlawfully dismissed leaders of Serbia’s air traffic controllers’ union, SKL. For more information, read this article.
After sending a letter last week to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, ETF and the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) have now written to European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, calling on the European Commission to take urgent action to protect trade union rights in Serbia.
In parallel, ETF, together with the Air Traffic Controllers European Unions Coordination (ATCEUC) and the International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ Associations (IFATCA), addressed a separate letter to the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) highlighting the serious safety-related implications of the case.
The letters denounce the revocation of security clearances and professional licences of two SKL leaders, allegedly based on “negative opinions” from Serbia’s security services. These politically motivated measures prevent the union leaders from performing their duties and represent a grave violation of freedom of association and trade union rights.
ETF stressed that such interference runs contrary to Serbia’s obligations under ILO Conventions 87 and 98, the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, and its commitments as an EU candidate country. The letters call for the reinstatement of the SKL leaders, an end to intimidation against trade union representatives, and an independent and transparent investigation into the licence revocations.
ETF General Secretary Livia Spera said:
“Serbia’s path to the EU must be built on respect for democracy and workers’ rights. These unlawful dismissals occurred just days before the President of the Commission said in Belgrade that Serbia must do more to demonstrate its adherence to EU fundamental values. This was not the first attack on trade union rights in Serbia. We call on the European Commission to demand the effective upholding of workers’ fundamental rights.”
ETF stands in full solidarity with SKL and all Serbian aviation workers defending their fundamental rights. Supporters are invited to sign and share the petition demanding justice and reinstatement for the dismissed union leaders:
Sign the petition here
