15. 07. 2024.

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.