"Octopus Tentacles Everywhere": Serbian Educators and Actors Battle Regime Pressure Amidst Public Apathy

The "octopus tentacles" of pressure are reaching into Serbia's cultural and educational institutions, squeezing educators and actors who dare to stand against the prevailing regime. While the public's attention is often diverted by a constant barrage of daily scandals, these dedicated professionals are fighting a lonely battle for their rights and autonomy.

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Država je tu, sistem je napravio da svaki sektor, maltene sam za sebe, komunicira sa organima vlasti.

Both teachers and actors find themselves isolated, forced to confront state organs largely on their own. Dušan Kokot, president of the Independent Trade Union of Education Workers of Serbia, observes that the system is designed to make each sector communicate with authorities individually. This fragmentation weakens their collective bargaining power and makes them more vulnerable to reprisal.

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Imamo podršku građana, makar u procentu u kom će izaći na izbore.

The article highlights a disturbing pattern of dismissals and suspensions targeting educators. Even after the apparent end of student blockades, professors face termination for reasons as flimsy as workplace discussions or alleged privacy breaches. The mass non-renewal of fixed-term contracts in September last year left many educators jobless, while parents in some schools supported boycotts in solidarity. University professors supporting students have also faced wage cuts or complete salary deprivation, a clear tactic to stifle dissent.

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Potpuno nebitno da li su bili članovi ili ne, jer je to bila represija zbog obustave rada u koju smo mi pozvali zaposlene de facto.

Darko Tomović, an actor and president of the Singlus union at the National Theatre, notes that while they have some public support, it's limited to the percentage of citizens who actually vote. This lack of broader societal solidarity is a significant hurdle. The article also points to the successful legal battles faced by many dismissed teachers, with courts ordering their reinstatement. However, the implementation of these decisions, as seen in Bečej, can be frustratingly slow, leaving the "pressure" of the regime to linger.

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Većina tih ljudi koji su dobili otkaze, a imali su ugovore na neodređeno vreme, manje-više sudskim putem su svi vraćeni na posao ili se čeka izvršenje te odluke kao u Bečeju, gde je doneta odluka na sudu, ali još nije vraćen zaposleni na posao.