Vulin: Gov't, parliament to decide on labour law amendments

BELGRADE - The decision on amendments to the labour law will have to be taken by the government and the parliament because trade unions and employers are on opposite positions, Serbian Minister of Labour, Employment, Veteran and Social Affairs Aleksandar Vulin said on Monday.

There are disagreements, but efforts will be made to find the lowest common denominator, Vulin told a press conference.

Trade unions do not want to discuss an expanded coverage of the collective agreement or any benefit-related changes, while employers do not want to talk about the expanded coverage of the agreement being envisioned by law.

"Those are completely opposite positions and the government will have to decide eventually. It will have to say what the state considers to be the higher interest," Vulin said.

The government has made a proposal that caters to both the trade unions and employers and under which most companies would be covered by the expanded collective agreement, but this would not be regulated by law but in another way, Vulin said.

The Social and Economic Council, once it is convened by its chairperson, will in the next few days be in the position to give its opinion on a specific proposal and make objections if necessary, Vulin said.

Afterwards, the parliament will have the final say on the labour bill, Vulin said.

Photo Tanjug Video (illustration)