Novi Sad Institute Union President Fired, Union Cries Foul

The trade union of the Novi Sad Institute for Field and Vegetable Crops has vehemently condemned the termination of its president, Dragan Pantović's, employment contract. The union described the dismissal not as a personal dispute but as a direct assault on unionization efforts and the fundamental right of employees to advocate for their concerns through their representatives.

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This move is not considered a personal dispute between an employee and an employer, but an attack on union organizing, the work of the trade union organization, and the right of employees to point out problems and fight for their rights through their representatives.

Adding to the crisis, the union pointed to the institute's precarious financial situation. They questioned whether funds would be secured for seed production, which they argue is crucial for Serbia's food sovereignty and the institute's very existence. This instability is further evidenced by delayed salary payments for employees over the past two months, contrary to the institute's work regulations.

Furthermore, a joint working group formed to address wage compression issues has failed to implement its conclusions. Promises made by the institute's director regarding salary increases for qualified, experienced workers have also gone unfulfilled. Pantović himself stated that he received the termination notice after 30 years of service, attributing it to his public highlighting of the institute's problems.

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The situation at the Institute is becoming critical, as it is an open question whether funds for seed production will be secured, upon which, as we emphasize, the survival of the Institute as the basis of Serbia's food sovereignty directly depends.

The union announced a warning strike scheduled for Friday, August 14th, at 9 AM in the institute's courtyard. They previously sent an open letter to Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, detailing the institute's critical issues and requesting his intervention. The institute's director, Dragana Latković, has been contacted for comment.

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I received the termination notice because, as the president of the Trade Union Organization of the Institute for Field and Vegetable Crops Novi Sad, I publicly point out the problems in this institution.