An international seminar on “Dignity at work: enhancing workers’ organizations roles in combating workplace harassment and discrimination in the Western Balkans” (Experiences from North Macedonia, neighbouring countries, and EU member states) took place from 25 to 27 September 2025 in Ohrid, North Macedonia. The seminar gathered 37 representatives of trade unions and other workers’ organisations from Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo (as guests), Slovakia, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia.
The event was organised by UNASM – Union of Independent and Autonomous Trade Unions of Macedonia, with the support of EZA and was funded by the European Union. It took place in the framework of the EZA special project for workers' organisations in candidate countries. The moderators were Slobodan Antovski, Biljana Ckllamovska, and Risto Pejovski.
Trade union confederations in the Western Balkans are facing significant challenges in protecting their members from employer abuse and exploitation, particularly from managerial teams acting as powerful structures within enterprises. This problem is especially present in the private sector but also affects the public sector, where management boards often serve political interests. Participants agreed that the situation across the region is largely similar.
In the private sector, companies are often controlled by local tycoons who benefited from the privatisation processes of the 1990s – processes that were, in most cases, corrupt. Former socialist-era managers became the new owners, declaring many enterprises unprofitable and laying off tens of thousands of workers. In North Macedonia alone, 24 major companies were closed, leaving over 35,000 workers – mostly over 50 years of age – without jobs overnight. Former management structures shifted towards more profitable businesses, often through stock manipulation, without real investment. Political affiliation continues to play a major role: regardless of which party is in power, management positions are filled with politically connected individuals. The situation in the public sector is not better – management boards appointed by ruling parties often misuse their authority and disregard workers’ rights.
When it comes to foreign investors, participants noted that conditions are not much better. Many Western companies operating in the region refuse to recognise trade unions or allow workers to join them, despite coming from democratic countries. Overall, only a small percentage of workers in the Western Balkans can truly say they enjoy decent work conditions.
Representatives of trade union confederations from EU member states pointed out that their situation had been similar before their countries joined the EU. EU membership, they explained, brought significant improvements through the enforcement of European directives and labour standards.
The seminar devoted particular attention to workplace harassment (mobbing) and discrimination. In North Macedonia, mobbing remains a serious but underreported problem. Only one case has been successfully resolved so far, as many workers are too afraid to report it. Another topic was peaceful dispute resolution, presented in detail by professors from Belgrade, who shared examples from practice. This process is still in its early stages in North Macedonia, with limited experience so far.
Participants agreed that seminars like this are crucial for sharing experiences and determining how trade unions should direct their future efforts. The most important values remain unity and solidarity, as these are essential for helping workers more effectively. The event was also considered highly relevant given that Western Balkan governments are striving to accelerate their countries’ accession to the European Union – a goal shared by workers and trade unions alike.