The Republic Trade Union of Employees in Banks, Insurance Companies and Other Financial Organizations of Serbia – RS BOFOS, in cooperation with the European Centre for Workers’ Questions (EZA), and funded by the European Union, organized a seminar on the topic: “The Trade Union Movement of the Future. The Future is Here! Let’s Learn from Each Other!” The seminar was held from 14–17 March 2025 in Mećavnik–Mokra Gora/Serbia.
The most important aspect of the seminar was the improvement and strengthening of the capacities of trade unions from Southeast Europe – in this case, the trade unions from the countries of the former Yugoslavia – in order to enable them to face the challenges of integration into European structures and to effectively adapt to the dynamics of the labour market in conditions that require the urgent need to anticipate and prepare for constant and accelerated changes in the labour market, brought about by demographic, climate, social and political shifts, and especially by the development of digitalisation and artificial intelligence. Empowering trade unions to encourage more humane social dialogue, communication and cooperation with social partners, as well as mutual exchange of experience and learning through good practices, aims to strengthen their ability to collectively bargain and to represent and advocate for workers' rights and social justice more effectively.
The seminar is of particular importance now, considering that on 11 February 2025 the European Commission presented its work programme, in which competitiveness and security clearly top the agenda. Of the 51 newly announced initiatives, only 4 address social issues – none of them legislative. At the same time, in the countries of the region, political relations vary from cooperation to tension and are shaped by historical context, national identities, as well as common goals such as EU membership. Despite challenges at both the European and regional levels, there is potential to build more stable relations through dialogue and cooperation.
Including lecturers and moderators, the seminar was attended by 46 representatives of workers’ organisations. In addition to participants from the Republic Trade Union of Employees in Banks, Insurance Companies and Other Financial Organizations of Serbia – RS BOFOS, participants and lecturers from the following organizations attended the seminar: the Independent Trade Union of Workers in Financial Organizations in the Federation of BiH, the Republic Trade Union of Workers – RSR (Croatia), the Trade Union of Financial Organizations of North Macedonia – SFOM (North Macedonia), and the Trade Union of Financial Organizations of Montenegro – SFOCG (Montenegro). Given that the participants were from former Yugoslav countries, no interpreters were required as participants successfully communicated in Serbian, or the so-called BCSM language.
Starting from the initiative of the Workers’ Group of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) that it is necessary to strengthen the Pillar of Social Rights and the “Pact for European Social Dialogue”, signed on 5 March, this seminar focused on important and complex topics such as labour and social legislation, institutions that help protect workers' rights, collective bargaining, information and communication, knowledge sharing and networking. In this way, the project not only strengthens the capacity of trade unions but also enriches the overall environment of social dialogue, which should lead to improved labour relations and better outcomes for workers, employers and society as a whole.
The seminar was opened by Mara Erdelj, President of RS BOFOS, who presented RS BOFOS and EZA, while the Vice President, Marija Jovanović, introduced the World Organization of Workers – WOW. Participants also heard an opening address by the host of the Mećavnik–Mokra Gora ethno hotel complex, after which they introduced themselves and their organisations, shared their expectations and affirmed their determination to use all potentials to strengthen their capacities and fight for better conditions for workers, because aside from trade unions, no one stands up for them anymore, and their situation has only worsened since the dissolution of the former common country of Yugoslavia.
Lecturers at the seminar were: Prof. Dr. Živko Kulić, Faculty of Business Economics and Law, on the topics: “Labour and social legislation in the participating countries and the European legislative framework. The right to union organising and collective bargaining. Social dialogue and implementation tools.”
Olga Vučković-Kićanović, Director of the Centre for Labour Law and Human Resources, on the topics: Business communication (verbal, non-verbal, public speaking, conflict, negotiation), Questions as a tool in communication, Assertive communication style during negotiations.
Dr. Ivica Lazović, Director of the National Agency for the Peaceful Resolution of Labour Disputes, on the topics: What if, despite all efforts, conflict arises during negotiations? Research results from the project “Protection of Labour Rights in the Former Yugoslav Republics – Four practical and theoretical methods of protection including peaceful resolution of labour disputes.” The role of trade unions.
All three lecturers also presented the following themes from different angles: “The degree of unionisation and the future of trade unions. The trade union as the last beacon of social awareness and concern for the worker.” The importance of continuous information-sharing at all levels and with all stakeholders, using both traditional and modern media.
Lecturer Mr. Ivan Majdak, professional negotiator, President of the Republic Trade Union of Workers (Croatia): How to feel equal at the negotiating table? What negotiating skills should union representatives improve? What innovative strategies and tactics should be used? Experiences of trade unions from EU member states – Croatia and Slovenia.
All the topics were presented by the lecturers in an exceptionally engaging way, with practical examples and advice, sparking a creative and inspiring discussion among participants, who shared views and concrete experiences from their own countries and union activities – all of which was assessed by everyone as a valuable experience that can be applied in their own work and be useful for the further activities of trade unions in each country.
The unanimous conclusion was that the programme was precise, the topics extremely relevant and highly complex, and that there is a need to organise dedicated training sessions and seminars on each of these topics individually.
Trade union representatives from the participating countries: Ivan Majdak, President of RSR, Croatia; Boban Ristevski, President of SFOM; Minka Rešidbegović, President of SFOBIH; Krsto Pejović, advisor and former President of SFOCG; Mara Erdelj, President of RS BOFOS; and Tihomir Jovičić, Vice President of RS BOFOS, presented topics such as: How did the transformation of Yugoslavia affect trade unions and their role, in your opinion? What was the role of trade unions before that transformation? Were workers in a better position than today, or not? Why? Trade union organisation in the participating countries (values, mission, vision, degree of organisation, structure, funding, elections, leadership, decision-making, negotiation, communication, relations with the media and civil society, building identity, campaigning, attracting new members...)
In the plenary discussion on the topic: “We are the trade union movement of the future,” participants were given the task to reflect, by the next meeting, on the 10 most important things they can do together to successfully tackle the challenges posed by modern economic and technological progress, globalisation, digitalisation and artificial intelligence, and the dehumanisation caused by profit dominating over the value of human labour. Integrating the highest European values, the goal is to place the union member – the human being – back at the centre of union activity, as someone who deserves decent working conditions and pay, in a society without discrimination, a society of equal opportunities and social justice.
As for the seminar results, participants adopted a Cooperation Agreement and concluded that it is necessary to meet at least once a year, and to organise a Conference next year for which they will prepare a project and request EZA’s support. In addition to addressing a topic which in the meantime they identify as a shared priority, they would also adopt a Charter establishing a joint body: the Council of Trade Unions of Southeast European Countries originating from the former Yugoslavia, believing that through joint action they can strengthen and revitalise their capacities, enhance social dialogue, collective bargaining and the protection of workers’ rights.
Through all of this, the project aims to contribute to a fairer and more sustainable labour market in Southeast European countries, fostering a culture of solidarity and empowerment among workers and trade unions – so that in turbulent times we can strengthen mutual trust and understanding.