Yesterday, the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) and the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) sent a joint letter to Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vučić and Prime Minister Đuro Macut, urging them to urgently intervene in the recent dismissal of two leaders of the Sindikat kontrole letenja (SKL) – the trade union representing air traffic controllers in Serbia.
The two SKL representatives reportedly had their security clearances revoked due to a “negative opinion from the security services”. This measure, taken without due process or transparent justification, resulted in their suspension from professional duties and termination of employment.
Both union leaders had played a central role in this year’s lawful, well-supported strike action aimed at improving working conditions and strengthening the safety and efficiency of Serbia’s air traffic control system – objectives aligned with both union and national interests.
The use of a vague and non-reviewable “negative opinion” as grounds for dismissal of professional staff is incompatible with the rule of law, due process, and freedom of association. We are particularly alarmed by reports suggesting that this action may have been politically motivated, targeting individuals who exercised their legitimate right to represent workers and engage in collective action.
Unfortunately, this recent development in Serbia is no isolated case – it comes after other concrete attacks to the fundamental right to organise of Serbian aviation workers in recent years. In this regard, we recall the pending ILO complaint against the Government of Serbia concerning Serbia’s failure to adequately respect, protect, and uphold trade union rights and the principles of freedom of association enshrined in ILO Conventions No. 87 and No. 98, which Serbia ratified in November 2000.
Furthermore, we also recall that the European Commission’s Serbia 2024 Report noted ongoing concerns regarding unresolved complaints to the International Labour Organization (ILO) about violations of trade union and workers’ rights, underlining the need for further strengthening of social dialogue and the capacity of social partners.
ETF and ETUC remind Serbian authorities that, as a candidate for EU membership, Serbia has committed to progressively align its laws and practices with the EU social acquis, including Article 28 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union — which enshrines the right to collective bargaining and action and carries the same legal value as the EU Treaties.
In light of recent events, ETF and ETUC demand immediate action from Serbian authorities to:
- Ensure that Serbia fully complies with its obligations under national law, European standards, and international conventions protecting workers’ fundamental rights and trade union freedoms;
- End all forms of interference and intimidation directed at trade unions and their representatives within the civil aviation sector;
- Conduct an impartial and transparent investigation into the incident involving SKL leaders; and
- Reinstate the employment of both SKL leaders without delay.
ETF and ETUC expect Serbian authorities to honour these commitments in both law and practice. Respect for these human rights will not only strengthen Serbia’s compliance with international obligations but also enhance trust and confidence in its aviation system, both domestically and across the European network.
