The Republika Srpska National Assembly adopted a long-awaited labor law today, despite protests from members of the opposition and unions. The law is designed to bring labor and employment regulations in the entity into line with EU standards, and is a prerequisite for the delivery of future IMF loans. The Federation entity passed a similar law over the summer; with new labor laws in place in both entities, the path should be be clear for IMF funds to be delivered.
The RS government had spend several months leading up to the vote working to engage union leaders and civil society groups in discussion to address grievances related to the law, but many of the law’s opponents declined.
Claiming that the law was drafted by the IMF and was intended to weaken workers’ rights, unions staged mass protests as the RS assembly started its session on Monday. Opposition parties also condemned the law and walked out of the assembly session in protest.
Responding to such objections, RS Prime Minister Zeljka Cvijanovic told reporters that the law was designed to protect workers, and that the law’s drafters had to design those protections on their own, since labor representatives refused to participate.
“If the Government was ready to negotiate for another month or even longer to reach satisfactory, but realistic solutions, then labor unionists should demonstrate the same willingness, and if they are not satisfied with the results, they could still organize protests, because it is never too late for that, no one is disputing them that right,” concluded Cvijanovic.
If the Government did not show social sensitivity, said Serbian Prime Minister, many of the rights would be left unprotected, just because the labor union decided to isolate itself from this process.
