11. 02. 2025.

A delegation of social partners from the Republic of Serbia, together with representatives of the Republic Agency for the Peaceful Settlement of Labour Disputes, visited the Republic of Portugal from February 2 to February 6, 2025. This visit was organized as part of the project "Strengthening Social Dialogue in the Republic of Serbia," implemented by the International Labour Organization with financial support from the Delegation of the European Union to Serbia.

During the visit, the delegation had the opportunity to familiarize itself with key institutions shaping labour and industrial relations in Portugal, including the Economic and Social Council (CES), the Directorate-General for Employment and Labour Relations (DGERT), the Authority for Working Conditions (ACT), the Institute for Employment and Vocational Training (IEFP), the Commission for Equality in Labour and Employment (CITE), and the Regional Labour Council (CRL). These institutions play a crucial role in regulating labour relations and strengthening social dialogue in the country.

Of particular importance for the work of the Agency was the visit to the Directorate-General for Employment and Labour Relations (DGERT), where the delegation had the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of practices in resolving collective labour disputes. During meetings with DGERT representatives, experiences were exchanged on mechanisms for dispute resolution, the role of tripartite dialogue, and ways to ensure the protection of labour rights through collective agreements and legislative initiatives.

In addition to institutional meetings, the delegation met with Portugal’s representative social partners, including the Portuguese Tourism Confederation (CTP), the Confederation of Commerce and Services (CCP), the Portuguese Industry Confederation (CIP), the Portuguese Farmers Confederation (CAP), as well as trade union organizations such as the General Confederation of Portuguese Workers (CGTP) and the General Union of Workers (UGT).

The delegation included representatives from the Employers’ Union of Serbia, the Confederation of Autonomous Trade Unions of Serbia, the UGS "Independence" Trade Union, the International Labour Organization, the Ministry of Labour, and the Republic Agency for the Peaceful Settlement of Labour Disputes. The Agency was represented by Director Ivica Lazović and Draganа Andonovska, Head of the Group.

The exchange of experiences on collective bargaining, challenges in labour relations, and the roles of social partners in the modern economy will be valuable for the further reform of regulations and practices in social dialogue in the Republic of Serbia. Based on these insights, the delegation gained an understanding of mechanisms that can contribute to strengthening the dialogue between workers, employers, and the state.

The visit to Portugal marks another step in enhancing the capacity and role of the Republic Agency for the Peaceful Settlement of Labour Disputes in Serbia. The implementation of best practices can contribute to improving labour relations and strengthening social dialogue in our country.

The Republic Agency for the Peaceful Settlement of Labour Disputes will continue to cooperate with international and domestic partners to further improve its work and support the development of social dialogue in Serbia.