Faculty of Philosophy in Niš: Employees Without Salaries for Almost a Month

Faculty of Philosophy employees in Niš have gone nearly a month without receiving their salaries, as funds from the republican budget have yet to be transferred. This situation contrasts with other faculties at Niš University, which received their budget allocations in late June. Dean Vladimir Jovanović confirmed the delay, stating that the faculty has not received explanations for the non-approval of funds or instructions on how to resolve the issue.

Jovanović indicated that there is no information on when the faculty might receive the necessary funds, with the legal deadline for salary payments to employees set for August 31. Staff members reported receiving only a partial salary payment on July 20, with no payment for the first half of August, which is typically disbursed on the fifth of the month.

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There is still no answer to our request to explain the reasons and provide instructions on how to eliminate the causes of non-approval of funds

Researcher Milan Videnović suggested that the delay might be an "impulsive reaction" from the Ministry of Education. This follows a court decision that overturned the ministry's move to revoke accreditation for certain study programs at the Faculty of Philosophy and grant them to the Faculty of Serbian Studies. The faculty had appealed the ministry's decision to the Administrative Court, which issued a temporary measure to preserve the faculty's status pending a final ruling.

If the funds are not transferred, employees plan to seek legal recourse. Videnović stated that if Serbian courts fail to protect their rights, they will escalate the matter to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, emphasizing that the right to work and fair wages are fundamental human rights. The government's actions, including revoking budget spots for new students in key departments and later for master's and doctoral programs, have exacerbated the situation.

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If the money is not paid, we will seek justice in court. If our courts do not protect our rights, we will turn to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg because the right to work and wages are fundamental human rights