At the first "LEGAL PRO FORUM 2024," held from October 20th to 23rd at Zlatibor, a panel on "Long-term Corporate Value Creation" featured prominent experts in sustainable business practices and labor law. The panelists—Tijana Koprivica, Director of Sustainable Business at Delta Holding, Dr. Jovana Veličković, a lawyer from Belgrade, and Dr. Ivica Lazović, Director of the Republic Agency for the Peaceful Settlement of Labor Disputes—discussed the importance of long-term corporate value creation through the implementation of ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) standards. The panel was moderated by Dr. Ljubinka Kovačević, Full Professor at the Faculty of Law, University of Belgrade.

Dr. Ivica Lazović introduced the attendees to the work and responsibilities of the Republic Agency for the Peaceful Settlement of Labor Disputes, emphasizing its role as an external mechanism when all internal dispute resolution options within companies have been exhausted. He also addressed the participants on the new regulations regarding due diligence in supply chains and their implications for business operations. Dr. Lazović presented examples of effective labor dispute resolution before the Agency, stressing that this mechanism is crucial for maintaining stability and fair relations in the labor market. The attendees had the opportunity to ask questions and discuss the potential application of these alternative mechanisms for protecting labor rights.

The panelists highlighted that sustainable development is a topic of the future, relevant to all companies regardless of size. It was concluded that collaboration between companies through experience sharing, as well as support from professional organizations, will be key factors in overcoming challenges on the path to meeting ESG standards.

A panel discussion titled "Peaceful Settlement of Labor Disputes – Arbitration and Conciliation" was held at the Bar Association of Vojvodina in Novi Sad on Wednesday, October 16, 2024.

At this highly engaging event, Prof. Dr. Senad Jašarević, Full Professor at the Faculty of Law in Novi Sad, Dr. Ivica Lazović, Director of the Republic Agency for the Peaceful Settlement of Labor Disputes, and Dejana Spasojević-Ivančić, a lawyer, conciliator, and arbitrator, introduced members of the Bar Association of Vojvodina and the professional public to the methods and procedures for resolving both collective and individual labor disputes, the scope of arbitrators' and conciliators' authorities, and the types of decisions made in these proceedings.

Mr. Lazović presented the work, activities, and competencies of the Agency, emphasizing the important role of the Agency and its conciliators and arbitrators in resolving labor disputes, enhancing workers' rights protection, improving social dialogue, and adapting to new labor market challenges.

All speakers at the panel agreed that the future of labor dispute resolution lies in out-of-court methods, which are quick, simple, and efficient.

From October 8th to 10th, 2024, in Ruma (Borkovac), the "Study on Social Dialogue in the Republic of Serbia" was presented to social partners. Along with the presentation of the study, a workshop was held to validate its findings. The study was carried out as part of the project "Strengthening Social Dialogue in the Republic of Serbia," supported by the European Commission in Serbia and the International Labour Organization (ILO).

Numerous experts and representatives of social partners participated in the workshop, including Dr. Ivica Lazović, Director of the Republic Agency for the Peaceful Settlement of Labor Disputes, and Dragana Andonovska, Head of the Legal and Professional Affairs Group at the Agency. Among the prominent participants were Prof. Dr. Attila Sándor Kun from Budapest, Lejo Siebel from the ILO, and Ada Huitbragtze, who will lead the ESAP 3 project.

The workshop participants shared their views on the study, emphasizing the need for legislative changes regulating labor-related matters. Through collaborative efforts, they formulated general recommendations for improving social dialogue in Serbia.

The "Strengthening Social Dialogue in the Republic of Serbia" project will be implemented over the next year and is expected to significantly contribute to enhancing the state of social dialogue in Serbia. The Republic Agency for the Peaceful Settlement of Labor Disputes played an important role in this workshop, actively participating in the development of general recommendations for improving social dialogue, reaffirming its importance in resolving labor disputes and strengthening tripartite dialogue in the country.

The XXVI International Scientific and Professional Conference of the Association for Labor Law and Social Security was held from October 2 to 5 in Zlatibor. This year's conference focused on the theme "Contributions to the Future Reform of Labor Legislation" and gathered a large number of eminent experts in labor law from Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina (Republika Srpska), North Macedonia, as well as representatives from the relevant ministry, the EU Delegation in Serbia, and the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Serbia.

Dr. Ivica Lazović, Director of the Republic Agency for the Peaceful Settlement of Labor Disputes, had the honor of opening the conference. In his opening remarks, he emphasized the importance of cooperation among all participants – state institutions, trade unions, employers, the academic community, and international partners – in achieving the common goal of modernizing labor legislation in line with European standards, while also considering the specificities of our social and economic context. Lazović highlighted that labor regulations are the foundation of social justice and economic development, and this conference contributes to reforms aimed at better protecting workers' rights, improving social dialogue, and adapting to new challenges in the labor market, including digitalization and globalization.

Alongside Mr. Lazović, Zoran Martinović, Assistant Minister in the Ministry of Labor, Employment, Veteran, and Social Affairs, and Dr. Jovan Protić, Coordinator of the ILO Office for Serbia, also spoke at the opening. They announced a project titled "Empowering Social Dialogue in the Republic of Serbia" in which the Agency will play a significant role, aimed at fostering better understanding and cooperation among social partners. The project also plans to consider amending a set of laws to improve labor legislation in the Republic of Serbia.

During the working part of the conference, Mr. Lazović presented a paper on the topic "New Strike Law - An Important Reform Step" reminding attendees of the need for a new Strike Law as an important prerequisite for labor legislation reform. The first day of the conference began with presentations on topics related to social dialogue, collective bargaining, strikes, the impact of artificial intelligence on labor relations, as well as current issues in individual and collective labor relations. After the presentations, roundtable discussions were organized on the topic of social dialogue in Serbia and judicial resolution of labor disputes, featuring eminent experts, including Matthieu Penot, the EU Delegation's Attaché in Serbia, and Peer Krumrey, Advisor for Labor and Social Law at the German Embassy in Serbia.

The second and third days of the conference featured presentations on the labor status of freelancers, proposals for improving the employer change institute in labor legislation, disciplinary responsibility of employees, non-compete clauses, employment of persons with intellectual disabilities, flexible forms of employment, and a roundtable on the rights of workers on digital platforms in Serbia.

The thematic areas of the conference covered the entirety of labor law through the lens of all labor law institutions and practices in resolving labor disputes. The conference also offered new perspectives on current issues in labor legislation that support future reform.

At the ceremony held on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, marking the anniversary of the Union of Employers of Serbia – 30 years since its establishment and operations, Dr. Ivica Lazović, Director of the Republic Agency for the Peaceful Settlement of Labor Disputes, was awarded a special recognition for long-standing support, contribution, and successful cooperation.

This recognition confirms the strong and successful cooperation, which has lasted for nearly two decades, in establishing dialogue, promoting justice, and finding solutions that benefit both the economy and employees.

In addition to the President of the Union of Employers of Serbia, Miloš Nenezić, those addressing the attendees included the President of the Confederation of Autonomous Trade Unions of Serbia, Ljubisav Orbović, and the President of the United Branch Unions 'Nezavisnost,' Čedanka Andrić. During the ceremony, participants also had the opportunity to hear messages from Roberto Suárez Santos, Secretary-General of the International Organization of Employers, one of the most important voices on the global stage regarding the protection of employers' rights and the promotion of their interests.

The Republic Agency for the Peaceful Settlement of Labor Disputes congratulates the Union of Employers of Serbia on this significant anniversary, with the belief that through continued good cooperation, a stable and prosperous system will be built, where rights and obligations are respected for the benefit of all.

The Republic Agency for the Peaceful Settlement of Labor Disputes has taken part in the project "Empowering Social Dialogue in the Republic of Serbia" which aims to strengthen the position and rights of workers and enhance the capacities of the state administration. The project, implemented in cooperation with the International Labour Organization and the EU, was presented today, September 18, 2024, at the Metropol Hotel. Alongside our Agency, the Ministry of Labor, Employment, Veteran, and Social Affairs, representative trade unions (SSSS and UGS 'Nezavisnost'), and the Union of Employers of Serbia are also participating in the project.

This project aims to strengthen the position and rights of workers, enhance the capacities of social partners, state administration, national and local socio-economic councils, and the Republic Agency for the Peaceful Settlement of Labor Disputes as a key body for dialogue and the use of alternative dispute resolution methods.

The project also foresees the improvement of the legal framework for strengthening social dialogue in the Republic of Serbia, with plans to amend a whole set of laws, including the Labor Law, the Strike Law, the Law on the Socio-Economic Council, and the Law on the Peaceful Settlement of Labor Disputes, all with the aim of modernization and alignment with the needs and demands of the modern labor market.

The event was opened by the Minister of Labor, Employment, Veteran, and Social Affairs, Nemanja Starović, who emphasized the importance of cooperation between trade unions, employers, and the state to improve social dialogue and enhance the status of workers.

The Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia, Emmanuel Joffre, stated on this occasion that during the COVID-19 pandemic, it became clear that the structure of work could change, setting new goals for improving work frameworks and models. He noted that this project promotes European standards and that by implementing it, Serbia is moving closer to those standards.

Other speakers at the event included Emmanuel Julien, Deputy Regional Director of the International Labour Organization for Europe and Central Asia; Zoran Mihajlović, Secretary of the Council of the Confederation of Autonomous Trade Unions of Serbia (SSSS); Čedanka Andrić, President of the United Branch Union 'Nezavisnost'; and Miloš Nenezić, President of the Union of Employers of Serbia.

The Republic Agency for the Peaceful Settlement of Labor Disputes will play a significant role in this project, which is expected to contribute substantially to enhancing the capacities of both the Agency itself and its conciliators and arbitrators, in the interest of all users of conciliaton and arbitration services.

A delegation from the Agency, led by Director Dr. Ivica Lazović, also attended the opening of the event.

Following negotiations, conciliated by the Republic Agency for the Peaceful Settlement of Labor Disputes, on August 30, 2024, an Agreement on the resolution of the collective labor dispute was signed between the 'Sloga' United Trade Unions of Serbia - Health and Social Care Trade Union and the General Hospital 'Sveti Luka' Smederevo, regarding the application of the collective agreement.

The procedure before the Agency was initiated ex officio, in accordance with the Law on the Peaceful Settlement of Labor Disputes. Immediately upon receiving the Proposal from the 'Sloga' United Trade Unions of Serbia - Health and Social Care Trade Union, Dr. Darko Božičić, the acting conciliator, in accordance with the law, formed a Conciliation Board at the first hearing, which included representatives of the parties in the dispute and the acting conciliator as the chairperson of the Board. After four hearings, during which the disputing parties presented their views and proposals, the parties first came closer and later aligned their positions on how to resolve the disputed issues. At the conclusion of the conciliation process, the acting mediator and the members of the Board determined the final text of the Joint Recommendation, which, in accordance with the law, was unanimously approved by all.

Based on the Joint Recommendation, representatives of the Trade Union and the General Hospital 'Sveti Luka' Smederevo concluded an Agreement on the resolution of the collective labor dispute.

By choosing to resolve the collective dispute through the Agency, with skillful guidance by the conciliator, Dr. Darko Božičić, the parties contributed to preserving social peace and good relations, demonstrating the advantages of peaceful resolution of collective labor disputes by enhancing social dialogue.

Serbia’s Construction Workers’ Day was marked today at the session of the Republic Board of the Trade Union of Construction Workers and the Building Materials Industry of Serbia.

The trade union representatives were greeted by the Director of the Agency, Dr. Ivica Lazović. He thanked them for the sincere partnership and quality cooperation that this union has had with the Agency for many years and emphasized the importance of the fact that trade unions recognize the Agency as the first address to turn to in the event of labor disputes with employers. Mr. Lazović underlined the importance of building trust between trade unions, employers, and the Agency. He highlighted as special values the fact that construction workers strive for collective bargaining and have a Special Collective Agreement, and that they turn to the Agency for all problems. This trust in the legal institutions of the Republic of Serbia adds a special quality to our cooperation. He then briefly informed those present about the Agency’s work results, emphasizing the benefits for all parties in the dispute if they choose to resolve the labor dispute peacefully.

Also addressing those present were Dušan Petrović, Secretary of the Socio-Economic Council of the Republic of Serbia; Maja Ilić from the Labor Inspectorate; Veselin Ražnatović, President of the Construction Workers in the Union of Employers of Serbia; and, as hosts, on behalf of the Confederation of Autonomous Trade Unions of Serbia as the umbrella organization, Secretary Zoran Mihajlović and President of the Union of Construction Workers and the Building Materials Industry of Serbia (SRGIGMS), Saša Torlaković.

The working part of the session followed, during which topics of importance to the Union and its membership were discussed.

In two recently concluded cases before the Agency, which were conducted regarding workplace mobbing at the University Clinical Center Kragujevac in Kragujevac and Planeta Sport d.o.o. in Belgrade, the parties involved reached a settlement and arbitration resolution.

The employer and employees at the University Clinical Center Kragujevac jointly submitted a proposal for peaceful resolution of a labor dispute to the Agency concerning mobbing. The parties in the dispute agreed on the selection of an arbitrator, and Miljko Valjarević was appointed.

After the hearing, both the employees and the employer demonstrated a high level of responsibility to resolve all contentious issues, leading to an agreement on all disputed points. The parties agreed not to belittle, undermine, intimidate, damage the professional reputation, health, safety, or dignity of the disputing parties or any employees of the employer in any way. All contentious issues were resolved through constructive dialogue and a desire to create a pleasant working atmosphere without disrupted interpersonal relationships. In the end, the parties reached an agreement that was confirmed by an arbitration resolution.

Additionally, a case involving an employee of Planeta Sport d.o.o. from Belgrade, who believed she was subjected to workplace harassment, was recently concluded before the Agency. She submitted a proposal to the Agency, which was sent to the employer for approval. The employer agreed to resolve the matter peacefully before the Agency, and the parties in the dispute agreed to appoint Dejana Spasojević Ivančić as the arbitrator. Only one hearing was needed to resolve all contentious issues, and the process was concluded with a handshake, in the interest of the greater good and the collective. Based on the agreement reached by the parties, the acting arbitrator issued an arbitration resolution.

These examples are just a few from the Agency's practice, confirming that it is the right place for anyone who believes they are experiencing workplace mobbing and a good alternative to the Law on Prevention of Workplace Harassment or lengthy court proceedings.

With the amendments to the Law on Peaceful Resolution of Labor Disputes in 2018, the Agency handles these cases by attempting to reconcile the parties and reach a mutually acceptable resolution for behaviors and relationships that someone perceives as harassment, while others may see as conflict, argument, or misunderstanding. In the interest of normalizing workplace relations, creating a positive working environment, avoiding lengthy court disputes, and preventing further disruption of relationships within the company, the Agency resolves these cases through agreements between the parties, which are confirmed by an arbitration resolution that is final and enforceable. It is commendable that an increasing number of employers and employees recognize the advantages of this procedure and place their trust in the Agency over lengthy court proceedings.

Through the Republic Agency for Peaceful Settlement of Labor Disputes, a collective labor dispute at the Health Center Valjevo was resolved by signing a joint recommendation. The collective labor dispute, concerning the right to union organization and activity, was initiated by the Trade Union of Nurses and Technicians of Serbia, and the other party in the dispute, the Health Center Valjevo, agreed to resolve the matter peacefully before the Agency.

The mediator, Dr. Mila Petrović, in accordance with the law, formed a Mediation Board during the first hearing, which included the mediator as the Chairperson of the Board and representatives from all parties involved in the dispute. Following the hearing, the parties in the dispute aligned their positions and reached an agreement on all contentious issues, leading to the signing of a joint recommendation.

The employer and the union demonstrated how social dialogue between employees and employers can lead to the right solution, opting for a peaceful resolution of the collective labor dispute in line with the Serbian Government's recommendation to resolve disputes peacefully.

The annual meeting of the European Works Council of Erste Group will be held in Belgrade on June 26th and 27th, 2024. Employees from around ten different countries expressed a desire to learn about the work of the Republic Agency for Peaceful Settlement of Labor Disputes and, through the Erste Bank Union in Serbia, invited the Agency to be a special guest at the event.

Given the long-standing cooperation with these unions, the Agency accepted the invitation, and the Director of the Agency, Dr. Ivica Lazović, spoke about the work and competencies of the Agency. Dragana Andonovska, Senior Advisor at the Agency and Head of the Legal Affairs Group, discussed the practice of peaceful resolution of labor disputes, particularly issues related to overtime work, wage payments and other benefits, termination of employment contracts, as well as mobbing in banks and ways to address these problems.

Erste Group employees were given insights into collective bargaining, practices, experiences, and trends in Europe and worldwide by Prof. Dr. Živko Kulić, one of the most experienced mediators and arbitrators of the Agency. On the second day of the event, participants were introduced to ways of combating mobbing, as well as collective bargaining, by Olga Vučković Kićanović, a mediator and arbitrator of the Agency and an expert in labor law.

All representatives of the Agency answered numerous questions and participated in a dialogue that made the event particularly engaging.

On June 25th and 26th, 2024, a seminar titled "The Right to Collective Bargaining and Action" will be held in Belgrade, organized by the European Federation of Public Services Employees (EUROFEDOP) with the support of the European Centre for Workers' Questions (EZA) and the EU. On this occasion, one of the speakers on the first day of the event was the Director of the Republic Agency for Peaceful Settlement of Labor Disputes, Dr. Ivica Lazović.

The event was opened by the President of EUROFEDOP, Norbert Schnedl, as well as Jadranko Vehar, President of the National Trade Union of Postal and Telecom Workers of Croatia, and Slađan Bobić, President of the Trade Union of Public Administration of Serbia.

The first day of the event featured two separate thematic sessions, led by Professor Lazar Joveski from the Faculty of Law "Cyril and Methodius" in Skopje. The first session discussed collective bargaining, with the trade union's positions presented by Ivica Cvetković, Acting President of the Judiciary Trade Union of Serbia, while the employers' positions were addressed by Filip Lazović, Deputy Secretary General of the Employers' Union of Montenegro.

In the second thematic session, which focused on disputes and their resolution, the trade union's position was presented by Dragana Đorđević, President of the Independent Trade Union of Culture of Serbia, while Dr. Ivica Lazović, Director of the Republic Agency for Peaceful Settlement of Labor Disputes, spoke on the topic "Improving Social Dialogue through Resolution of Individual and Collective Labor Disputes."

At the end of the first day, a very active discussion was held with participants from over 10 different European countries.

Through the conciliation of the Republic Agency for Peaceful Resolution of Labor Disputes, a collective labor dispute at Serbia and Montenegro Air Traffic Services (SMATSA) LLC Belgrade was resolved amicably regarding the implementation of the collective agreement.

This procedure was initiated following the Proposal for Initiating the Procedure for Peaceful Resolution of a Collective Labor Dispute by the Air Traffic Control Union, and the employer, Serbia and Montenegro Air Traffic Services (SMATSA) LLC Belgrade, agreed to resolve the dispute peacefully before the Agency.

With the consent of the parties in dispute, Prof. Dr. Bojan Urdarević was appointed as the conciliator. In accordance with the law, he formed a Conciliation Committee at the first hearing, which included representatives of the disputing parties and the conciliator. After four hearings, a joint recommendation was established, reaching an agreement on how to resolve the disputed issues. All parties unanimously adopted the proposed Recommendation.

The employer and the union at Serbia and Montenegro Air Traffic Services (SMATSA) LLC Belgrade, in line with the recommendation of the Government of the Republic of Serbia, exemplified readiness for social dialogue and finding compromise solutions through the process of peaceful resolution of the labor dispute in the interest of all employees.

A joint recommendation on the resolution of the collective labor dispute was signed at the Public Media Institution "Radio-Television of Vojvodina," successfully resolving the dispute before the Republic Agency for Peaceful Resolution of Labor Disputes.

The process of peaceful resolution of the collective labor dispute was initiated by the "Nezavisnost" Union of the Public Media Institution "Radio-Television of Vojvodina." The subject of the dispute was a strike regarding several issues related to the implementation of the collective agreement. The employer, the Public Media Institution "Radio-Television of Vojvodina," consented to resolve the dispute peacefully before the Agency.

Prof. Dr. Senad Jašarević was appointed as the mediator by the Agency's director in accordance with the law. At the first hearing, he formed a Conciliation Committee that included representatives of the disputing parties.

During the negotiations, the parties in dispute demonstrated a high degree of understanding and mutual respect. After three hearings, a joint recommendation was agreed upon, which outlined the resolution of all disputed issues. This recommendation was signed by the representatives of the disputing parties and the acting mediator.

The employer and the union at the Public Media Institution "Radio-Television of Vojvodina," in accordance with the recommendation of the Government of the Republic of Serbia, exemplified readiness for social dialogue and finding compromise solutions through the process of peaceful resolution of the labor dispute in the interest of all employees.

In the process of peaceful resolution of the collective labor dispute at the "Dr. Janos Hadji" Health Center in Bačka Topola, which was conducted regarding the implementation of the collective agreement, an agreement was reached between the parties in dispute, and a joint Recommendation was signed. The procedure was initiated by the Union of Doctors and Pharmacists of Serbia, Basic Organization Bačka Topola and Mali Iđoš. The employer, the "Dr. Janos Hadji" Health Center from Bačka Topola, agreed to resolve the dispute peacefully, and the parties in dispute agreed to appoint Olga Marinkov Bajić as the mediator.

In accordance with the law, the acting mediator formed a Conciliation Committee at the first hearing, which included representatives of the parties in the dispute in addition to herself. After two hearings, the parties in dispute brought their positions closer, which led to the signing of a joint Recommendation on the method of resolving the collective labor dispute.

The employer and the Union at the "Dr. Janos Hadji" Health Center in Bačka Topola demonstrated how social dialogue between employees and the employer can lead to a fair solution that is in the interest of all parties.

The Director of the Republic Agency for Peaceful Settlement of Labor Disputes, Dr. Ivica Lazović, attended the International Scientific Conference "Dynamics of the Modern Legal Order" co-organized by the Faculty of Law of the University of Priština with a temporary seat in Kosovska Mitrovica, the Institute of Comparative Law from Belgrade, and the Institute for Sociological and Criminological Research from Belgrade, held at the Faculty of Law in Kosovska Mitrovica on May 24 and 25, 2024. On this occasion, through a scientific article, he presented the possibilities for protecting employees' rights through the Agency's competencies in the context of current regulations on due diligence in supply chains.

The conference brought together a large number of eminent experts and theorists in the field of law. It was extremely significant to be part of the conference and to present the work and competencies of the Agency to experts from all parts of our country, as well as from abroad.

The Director of the Agency had the honor of chairing the Public Law Sciences session, which featured numerous high-quality papers.

On the second day of the conference, participants visited Prizren, the Church of Our Lady of Ljeviš, the Church of Saint George, the Prizren Theological School, and the Monastery of the Holy Archangels.

This collaboration between the Agency and the Faculty of Law of the University of Priština with a temporary seat in Kosovska Mitrovica is the result of an Agreement signed by the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Dr. Slobodanka Kovačević Perić, and the Director of the Agency, Dr. Ivica Lazović, on March 15, 2023, which successfully facilitates cooperation in numerous activities, from student internships to joint lectures and the exchange of knowledge and experiences.

On May 10, 2024, the first Interactive Training for Mediators and Arbitrators of the Republic Agency for Peaceful Settlement of Labor Disputes was held this year.

The training was opened by the Agency's Director, Dr. Ivica Lazović, who welcomed the attendees and provided an overview of the Agency's work during the previous period, with a special emphasis on the CAF quality label. He highlighted that being the only ones in the Republic of Serbia to have this prestigious European quality mark is a testament to the collective efforts of all employees, as well as mediators and arbitrators, and shows that these efforts have not been in vain.

The training featured discussions on current judicial practices in the field of labor disputes, led by Lidija Đukić, retired judge of the Constitutional Court, Mila Lazić, judge of the Basic Court in Kragujevac, and Predrag Trifunović, retired judge of the Supreme Court of Cassation.

An important topic on the agenda was specific issues of labor-law relations with a special focus on Kosovo and Metohija, presented by Prof. Dr. Slobodanka Kovačević Perić, Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Priština with a temporary seat in Kosovska Mitrovica.

The final session was dedicated to negotiation skills in conflict situations, presented by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dragana Ćorić from the Faculty of Law at the University of Novi Sad and the Provincial Ombudsperson.

Following the presentations, a discussion was opened on current labor-law topics and the challenges faced by arbitrators and mediators.

The representative of the International Labor Organization and Senior Specialist for Social Dialogue and Labour Law, Mr Lejo Sibbel from the Office for Central and Eastern Europe in Budapest visited the Agency on Thursday, April 25. On that occasion, Mr. Sibbel met with the Director of the Agency, Dr Ivica Lazović.

The meeting was organized in order to discuss the new project "Strengthening social dialogue in the Republic of Serbia" which is being implemented in the Republic of Serbia by the International Labor Organization in partnership with EU Delegation and national social partners, representative trade unions (CATUS, TUC "Nezavisnost"), employers' associations (Serbian Association of Employers), and state representatives - the Ministry of Labour, Social and Economic Council, and the Agency, as an important institution that encourages and develops social dialogue. This project will last for 4 years with the aim of strengthening social dialogue and improving the regulatory and institutional framework for bipartite and tripartite bargaining and functioning.

Mr. Sibbel has also exclusively informed us that the third phase of the "Employment and Social Affairs Platform - ESAP 3" project has been approved, where the regional alternative dispute settlement organizations play a significant role in the said project which also fosters a network of amicable dispute settlement practitioners.

Another project that is currently ongoing is the "Initiative for Global Solidarity" implemented by the German Organization for International Cooperation (GIZ) in cooperation with the ILO and social partners, which has supported significant institutional capacity building of the Agency for Peaceful Settlement of Labour Disputes, but also promotes these mechanisms in companies subject to German regulations on due diligence in supply chains.

The Director of the Agency, Dr Ivica Lazović, emphasized the importance of cooperation of all social partners in the Republic of Serbia with the ILO, and especially the Republic Agency for Peaceful Resolution of Labor Disputes, for the purposes of social dialogue strengthening, peaceful resolution of labour disputes and improvement of common practices and experiences.

During the cordial and friendly conversation, the interlocutors shared experiences and numerous examples of good cooperation in practice, which has especially gained intensity in the last few years. It was pointed out that this cooperation will be even more intense in the coming period through all the mentioned projects.

On April 19, 2024, the Republic Agency for Peaceful Settlement of Labour Disputes organized a webinar “Conciliation and arbitration in practice”. The topic of the webinar was presented by professor Živko Kulić PhD, one of the most experienced conciliators and arbiters in the region.

The webinar was attended by students of the faculties with which the Agency has signed a cooperation agreement, the Faculty of Law of the University of Belgrade, the Faculty of Law of the University of Niš, the Faculty of Law of the University of Kragujevac, the Faculty of Law of the University of Pristina with temporary headquarters in Kosovska Mitrovica, The faculty of law and Economy of the Economic Academy University in Novi Sad and many others.

Professor Kulić strived to explain the processes of conciliation and arbitration and present the considerable challenges he has encountered during his practice. He primarily presented the concept of both individual and collective labour disputes to the attendees and explained the methods for settlement of such disputes, with a special focus on the out-of-court methods. Out-of-court methods encompass dispute settlement through conciliation and arbitration which the professor illustrated by recounting specific cases that he has resolved during his renowned career, while placing a special emphasis on workplace harassment and strike cases.

This webinar, which was especially noted by the students, is just one in a set of activities that the Agency will implement in order to enhance its cooperation with universities and inform the future lawyers on alternative labour dispute settlement methods.

After the lectures the attendees were also addressed by Dr Ivica Lazović, the Agency director, who has provided them with exceptional insights on the legal and moral conflict in the framework of conciliation and arbitration which initiated a fruitful discussion on whether different dispute settlement methods give priority to norms or people.

At the end of the webinar the attendees had the opportunity to pose questions and give their remarks, thus participating in the discussion, while highlighting that the Republic Agency for Peaceful Settlement of Labour Disputes has organized a very inspirational webinar.

On April 10, 2024, the conference "Labor Law Aspects of Human Rights - Theory and Application" was jointly organized by the Republic Agency for Peaceful Resolution of Labor Disputes, the Office of the Provincial Ombudsman, the Office of the Local Ombudsman of the City of Kragujevac and the Office of the Local Ombudsman of the City of Niš, with the support of the Serbian Ombudsman Association.

It is very important to note that a Cooperation Agreement between the Agency and the Serbian Ombudsman Association was signed on that occasion. The agreement was signed by the director of the Agency, Dr Ivica Lazović, and the president of the Serbian Ombudsman Association, Miljko Valjarevic.

The goal of the meeting, which brought together all local ombudsman in one place, was to gain new knowledge, share good practices and open a dialogue on improving the protection of human rights and the labour rights arising from them. The participants had the opportunity to hear the views of eminent experts in this field and to express their ideas and observations through an interactive approach.

The meeting was opened by the republican ombudsman Zoran Pašalić. Dr Gordana Damnjanović, assistant to the mayor of the city of Kragujevac in charge of health and social protection, human and minority rights, Katarina Mitrovska, local ombudsman of the city of Nis, and Snežana Knežević, deputy provincial ombudsman from Novi Sad, welcomed the participants in their opening speeches.

The labour law aspect of human rights, theory and application were discussed by Prof. Dr Bojan Urdarević from the Faculty of Law, University of Kragujevac and Prof. Dr Marko Davinić from the Faculty of Law, University of Belgrade.

The interactive part of this conference was organized in the form of a panel discussion – sharing of best practices - on the topic of: "Labor Law Aspects of Human Rights - Theory and Application" moderated by docent Dr Dragana Ćorić - provincial protector of citizens, ombudsman, in which Miljko Valjarević, president of the Association of Ombudsman of Serbia, Jelena Milivojević, local ombudsman of the city of Kragujevac, Katarina Mitrovska, local ombudsman of the city of Niš and prof. Živko Kulić, PhD, conciliator and arbitrator of the Agency.

At the end of the conference, a fruitful discussion was opened on examples and challenges in the practice and work of local ombudsmen as well as conciliators and arbiters of the Agency.

After intense negotiations in the presence of the Republic Agency for Peaceful Settlement of Labour Disputes on April 8th, 2024, an Agreement on Settlement of a Collective Labour Dispute was signed by the Education Trade Union of Serbia and the Ministry of Education in the framework of amending the Special Collective Agreement in Higher Education.

The proceedings before the Agency were initiated ex officio, pursuant to the Law on Peaceful Settlement of Labour Disputes, immediately after the filing of a Motion by the Education Trade Union. The acting conciliator, professor Živko Kulić, PhD, has established the Conciliation Panel on the first session, in line with the Law, with the said Panel consisting of the representatives of the parties and the conciliator. After three sessions the viewpoint of parties on disputed issues started to converge and finally were aligned. The Conciliation Panel members have produced the final text of the Joint Recommendation which they have unanimously approved, in line with the Law.

The Trade Union and Ministry representatives have also signed an Agreement on Dispute Settlement based on the aforementioned Recommendation, which will be integrated into the Special Collective Agreement on the Amendments to the Special Collective Agreement for Higher Education.

By deciding to resolve the collective dispute with the assistance of the Agency and the skilful facilitation by professor Živko Kulić, PhD, the parties have contributed to the preservation of social peace and good relations and demonstrated the advantages of peaceful labour dispute settlement through improved social dialogue.

The Republic Agency for Peaceful Settlement of Labor Disputes has presented its work and achievements at the first international conference of European alternative labour disputes resolution services entitled “The Settlement of Labour Disputes in Europe" which took place on April 5th, 2024, in Athens. The conference was organized under the auspices of the president of the Republic of Greece, Ms. Katerina Sakellaropoulou, and by the Organisation for Mediation and Arbitration, (O.ME.D. Greece) in collaboration with the Law School of Athens (NKUA) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

The conference was opened by the Deputy Minister of Labour of the Republic of Greece Mr. Vassilis Spanakis who welcomed the participants by expressing the hope that similar conferences would enhance the practice of amicable labour dispute settlement in Europe. Apart from the representative of the Agency and the Greek hosts, the conference was also attended by the delegations from alternative dispute resolution services of Belgium, Bulgaria, Ireland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine and Great Britan, the management of the most prominent Greek trade unions and employers’ associations, as well as the representatives of the scientific community.

In his address, the director of the Republic Agency for Peaceful Settlement of Labour Disputes, Dr Ivica Lazović presented the previous work and achievements of our Agency. He also reflected on the legal framework of the Agency’s actions and its competencies. Mr. Lazović has also informed the attendees about the way in which the arbiters and conciliators are selected and the role of social partners in that process. He presented the process of dispute settlement by the Agency while remarking that the disputes were resolved quickly, efficiently, and free of charge for all dispute parties. He finally concluded that such conferences were valuable for exchange of experiences and best practices, and that they held an enormous importance for the improvement of amicable labour dispute settlement.

The conference also gave birth to the initiative for the establishment of a European network of alternative labour dispute resolution organizations that would be joined by the Republic Agency for Peaceful Settlement of Labour Disputes. This network would enable continuous cooperation of member institutions with annual professional conferences.

At the round table entitled "Discrimination at Work and Protection Mechanisms", which was held on March 1 in Belgrade, the Republic Agency for Peaceful Settlement of Labor Disputes presented the possibilities for protecting workers from discrimination through procedures conducted before the Agency. The debate was organized as a part of the "Initiative for Global Solidarity" project, which is implemented in Serbia by the German Organization for International Cooperation (GIZ) in cooperation with the Center for Democracy Foundation.

The Director of the Agency, Dr. Ivica Lazović, introduced the participants of the debate to the scope of the Agency's work and pointed out the role it plays in protecting workers from discrimination. He emphasized the importance of extra-judicial mechanisms for the protection of labor rights, which enabled proceedings to be resolved quickly and efficiently. At the same time, Lazović underlined that the Agency engaged significant resources in order to introduce workers and trade unions to the concept for the peaceful settlement of labor disputes, emphasizing mobbing and discrimination, which were often not recognized by them.

In addition to the Agency representatives, Nataša Vučković on behalf of the organizers, Kirsten Schönefeld from the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, Danijela Ristovski from the Office of the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality, Sanela Bahtijarević on behalf of the German Organization for International Cooperation (GIZ), representatives of trade unions and the non-governmental sector also participated in the discussion.

At the invitation of the Branch Union "Nezavisnost" representing the workforce of administration, justice, defense and police sectors, the Republic Agency for the Peaceful Settlement of Labor Disputes presented its work at the seminar entitled "The Role of the Republic Agency for the Peaceful Settlement of Labor Disputes in the Protection of the Rights of Civil Servants and the Effective Resolution of Labor Disputes". The seminar was held on mount Kopaonik within the 7th Regular Session of the Main Board of the "Nezavisnost" Branch Union of Administration, Justice, Defense and Police, which was held from February 23 to 25, 2024.

This seminar was opened by Nebojša Pejčinović, executive secretary of the branch, while Čedanka Andrić, the president of UGS "Nezavisnost", spoke about experiences and cooperation with the Agency. The Agency Director, Ivica Lazović, Ph.D., informed the attendees about the previous work and results achieved by the Agency. Lazović referred to the legal competences of the Agency, with special reference to the role of our institution in the peaceful resolution of collective labor disputes. He stated that constant cooperation with trade unions was needed in order to provide benefits of the concept for the peaceful resolution of labor disputes to as many members as possible. In the end, director Lazović thanked the organizers, the management of GS UPIOP "NEZAVISNOST", for recognizing the Agency as a reliable partner and for guiding and informing its members about the Agency's activities.

A large number of attending trade union representatives had the opportunity to ask questions and actively participate in the discussion. In this way, the participants were able to dispell all the doubts they had regarding the application of the concept of peaceful resolution of labor disputes and to discover the advantages that its application provided.

The training for public speaking skills and raising the visibility of the Republic Agency for Peaceful Settlement of Labor Disputes, which was held from February 7 to 9, 2024 in Sokobanja, was aimed at increasing the communication skills of conciliators and arbitrators and employees of the Agency. The three-day training was carried out as part of the project entitled "Ensuring adequate complaint mechanisms for workers in the automotive, electrical and textile industries", which is a part of the "Global Solidarity Initiative" of the German Development Cooperation, which is implemented by the German Organization for International Cooperation GIZ in cooperation with the International Labor Organization (ILO).

This training was attended by over 60 participants, conciliators, arbitrators, employees of the Agency, as well as directors and guests from the agences for the peaceful settlement of labor disputes from the region, the Republic of Srpska (Bosnia and Herzegovina) and the Republic of North Macedonia. This is only the second training since the establishment of the Agency, which is implemented in a massive way and outside the headquarters, thanks to the financial and logistical support of the mentioned project partners.

In the part of the program realized by Dr. Ivan Jeftović as the lecturer, the participants had the opportunity to master the skills of public speaking through interactive exercises. They were placed in various roles typical of labor disputes and encouraged to look at problems from all angles. In the second part of the program, the audience was presented with a strategic approach to communications by Maja Dželatović and Sonja Nenić Andreev from the “PR Mind” agency for communications and public relations. During this section of the program, conciliators and arbitrators were introduced to the activities that they themselves could carry out in order to present their work to the local community, which is one of the Agency's important communication goals.

All participants of this excellent training were given the opportunity to actively participate in discussions, to give their comments and present their observations, all with the aim of bringing the Agency closer to as many citizens as possible and to continue to be a key institution for quick, efficient and free resolution of disputes ranging from mobbing and discrimination through various material disputes to the amendment and application of collective agreements.