The collective labor dispute in the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, conducted before the Agency regarding the implementation of the collective agreement, was successfully resolved through the signing of a joint recommendation. The dispute was initiated by the Serbian Police Union, while the other party, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, agreed to resolve the matter peacefully before the Agency.

Miljko Valjarević was appointed as the conciliator for the case. In accordance with the law, he formed a Conciliation Committee during the first hearing, comprising the conciliator as chair and representatives of both parties. After four hearings, the parties reached an agreement on the disputed issues, leading to the signing of a joint recommendation.

The employer and the union organization within the Ministry of Internal Affairs demonstrated that social dialogue between employees and employers can lead to effective solutions. By opting for the peaceful resolution of the collective labor dispute, they followed the recommendation of the Government of the Republic of Serbia to resolve disputes through dialogue.

A joint recommendation on the resolution of a collective labor dispute was signed at the Public Broadcasting Institution Radio Television of Serbia (RTS), successfully concluding the process through the conciliation of the Republic Agency for the Peaceful Settlement of Labor Disputes. The collective labor dispute between the Independent Professional Union of RTV and Film Workers of RTS was resolved on January 13, 2025, with the adoption of a joint recommendation on the settlement of the dispute.

The process of peaceful resolution of the collective labor dispute was initiated by the Independent Professional Union of RTV and Film Workers, with the subject of the dispute being the implementation of the collective agreement.

By decision of the Agency's Director and in accordance with the law, Miljko Valjarević was appointed as the conciliator for the case. During the first hearing, he formed a Conciliation Committee consisting of representatives of both parties to the dispute.

Throughout the negotiations, both parties demonstrated a high level of understanding and mutual respect. After three sessions, a joint recommendation was agreed upon, outlining the resolution of all disputed issues. This recommendation was signed by representatives of both parties and the conciliator.

In line with the recommendation of the Government of the Republic of Serbia, the employer and the union at RTS have set an example of commitment to social dialogue and the pursuit of compromise solutions through peaceful dispute resolution, ensuring the best interests of all employees.

The Republic Agency for the Peaceful Settlement of Labor Disputes presented its work, organizational structure, competencies, and achievements at an international conference held on December 9, 2024, in Chișinău, Moldova.

The event was organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO) as part of the project "Effective Access to Labour Justice for All in the Republic of Moldova," aimed at supporting Moldovan institutions in establishing peaceful labor dispute resolution mechanisms.

Representing the Agency, Dr. Ivica Lazović, Director, introduced the participants to the institution’s experiences, the challenges it faces, and the results achieved so far. Dr. Lazović emphasized that the Agency is always ready to assist colleagues from Moldova in developing and implementing peaceful labor dispute resolution mechanisms.

In addition to Dr. Lazović, the conference featured speakers such as Cristina Mihes, a labor relations expert from the ILO, Judge Crizantema Panainte, who presented Romania’s labor dispute resolution system, and Prof. Dr. Daiva Petrylaite, who discussed labor dispute resolution in Lithuania.

The event gathered representatives of Moldova’s representative trade unions and employer associations, officials from the relevant ministry, and the ILO team working in Moldova. Participants had the opportunity to engage in discussions, exchange experiences, and ask questions, adding further value to this significant event.

The Republic Agency for the Peaceful Settlement of Labor Disputes successfully organized its second interactive training session for conciliators and arbitrators this year on December 2, 2024. The event took place at the Palace of Serbia in Belgrade, featuring esteemed experts and practitioners in labor law.

In his opening address, the Agency’s Director, Dr. Ivica Lazović, briefed the conciliators and arbitrators on the Agency’s current activities, upcoming plans, and announced future training sessions. He highlighted significant projects aimed at enhancing social dialogue in the Republic of Serbia, in which the Agency plays a key role. Dr. Lazović reminded attendees that next year marks the Agency’s 20th anniversary, which will be celebrated appropriately and ceremoniously. He also discussed the forthcoming selection and re-selection process for conciliators and arbitrators, describing it as an excellent opportunity for further professional development in this field.

During the training, judges Predrag Trifunović, Persida Jovanović, Zorica Veljić, and Marko Radović presented current judicial practices in labor disputes. Professor Nataša Petrović Tomić provided insights into the theory of arbitration and its practical aspects. Mira Basta, Special Advisor to the Minister of Labor, Employment, Veteran and Social Affairs, spoke on the importance of social dialogue, collective bargaining, and the challenges associated with these processes. Olga Vučković Kićanović, an expert in labor law and conciliation, discussed workplace mobbing and negotiation techniques for resolving such disputes successfully.

In addition to knowledge sharing, the training offered opportunities for professional networking and discussions on improving the practice of peaceful labor dispute resolution. Conciliators and arbitrators actively participated by asking questions and engaging in dialogue during every segment of the session.

This training once again underscores the Agency’s commitment to strengthening the skills and competencies of its conciliators and arbitrators, with the overarching goal of continuously improving labor law security, fostering social dialogue, and promoting harmonious labor relations.

The traditional visit of final-year students from the Faculty of Law, University of Belgrade, specializing in labor law, to the Republic Agency for the Peaceful Settlement of Labor Disputes took place on November 27, 2024, at the Palace of Serbia. The visit was organized as part of the Cooperation Agreement between the Faculty of Law and the Agency, with the students accompanied by Prof. Dr. Ljubinka Kovačević and Teaching Assistant Mina Kuzminac.

The event was opened by the Agency’s Director, Dr. Ivica Lazović, who expressed satisfaction with the longstanding collaboration between the Agency and this higher education institution. He emphasized that the Agency's doors are open to students interested in exploring peaceful labor dispute resolution in their academic work or completing professional internships at the Agency. Dr. Lazović provided an overview of the historical development of the institution of peaceful labor dispute resolution and the Agency itself, highlighting comparative legal practices worldwide. He also shared the Agency's achievements, challenges, and vision for the future.

Dragana Andonovska, Head of the Legal and Professional Affairs Group, and Jelena Golubović, an advisor at the Agency, spoke about the Agency’s jurisdiction, principles, procedures, statistics, examples from its extensive practice, and ongoing processes of digitalization and digital transformation. Through practical examples, they demonstrated that even the most complex labor disputes can be resolved amicably, provided the parties are willing to cooperate, avoiding lengthy court proceedings.

The introduction to the Agency’s work concluded with a discussion with the students, during which they posed questions, shared opinions, and voiced observations about the Agency's work and alternative methods of labor dispute resolution in the Republic of Serbia.

The Republic Agency for the Peaceful Settlement of Labor Disputes had the honor of participating in a workshop dedicated to innovations and the application of behavioral science in public administration, held on November 22, 2024, in Maastricht, the Netherlands.

This prestigious event was organized by the European Institute of Public Administration (EIPA) as part of the project "EPSA 2023-24 – The European Public Sector Award", supported by the European Union. It brought together public administration representatives from Serbia, Ireland, Portugal, Albania, Italy, and the Netherlands, providing a unique opportunity to exchange experiences and gain new insights.

The lectures and interactive sessions were led by Professor Lars Tummers, a renowned expert in public management and behavioral sciences from Utrecht University. Participants were introduced to contemporary theories and practical examples of applying innovations in management. During the workshop, attendees worked on developing concrete innovation projects and analyzed how scientific findings could enhance the operational processes within their institutions.

Representing the Agency, the workshop was attended by Agency Director Dr. Ivica Lazović and Advisor Miloš Prokić, who actively participated in all program segments. A key value of the event was the exchange of experiences with colleagues from other countries, which will contribute to the further implementation of innovative solutions in the Agency's operations.

Participation in such workshops represents a significant step toward improving our services and strengthening our capacity for the peaceful settlement of labor disputes. The Agency remains committed to continuous advancement and the application of modern methods in its work.