International Labor Day in Serbia: 'Workers are Expendable, Replaceable Goods, Serving Only Profit'

At N1 Serbia, we are committed to shedding light on the realities faced by workers in our country, especially around significant dates like International Workers' Day. The narrative that emerges is one of systemic neglect, where the rights and dignity of laborers are consistently undermined. Ranka Savić of the Association of Independent Trade Unions of Serbia (ASNS) articulates a sentiment that resonates deeply: workers are viewed as 'expendable, replaceable goods' whose primary purpose is to generate profit for employers. This perspective is starkly contrasted with the legal framework, which, according to Savić, is applied selectively. Companies with close ties to the government, or those that have benefited from substantial state subsidies, are perceived to operate with impunity, offering wages that barely exceed the minimum and eroding worker dignity. The article also touches upon the issue of selective enforcement of labor laws, where expressing dissent or participating in protests can lead to dismissal or demotion. This creates an environment where political affiliation can become a prerequisite for employment or advancement, further diminishing labor rights. The scale of recent layoffs, particularly in southern Serbia, as highlighted by Savić, suggests that official figures may not fully capture the extent of job losses, painting a grim picture of the labor market's health. From our vantage point in Serbia, this is not just about wages; it's about fundamental rights, dignity, and the equitable application of laws.

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Radnici su potrošna, zamenljiva roba i služe samo za ostvarenje profita.