Serbian Faculty May Forgo Salaries in Fight for Justice

Employees at the Faculty of Philosophy in Niš, Serbia, are facing the potential loss of their July salaries, a situation that has put them on alert. However, the faculty collective has declared their unwavering resolve to continue their struggle for justice, refusing to be intimidated by the circumstances. Jelena Lepojević, a professor at the faculty, stated that they are prepared to forgo their salaries to see this fight through to the end.

The faculty is awaiting a decision from the Serbian government regarding their salaries, expected after the summer break when employees return to work on August 20. The outcome of this decision will influence their subsequent legal actions. Lepojević emphasized that the faculty will not succumb to "unfair" pressures and will explore all available legal avenues for protection.

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We are prepared to remain without salaries and to take this fight to the end. We will not falter under these kinds of pressures, which are actually not fair means.

Dean Vladimir Jovanović explained that the Faculty of Philosophy has not received the necessary budget approvals for its regular operations, which include covering material costs and employee salaries. While other faculties within the University of Niš received their appropriations by the end of June, the Faculty of Philosophy did not. Despite repeated attempts to seek assistance and clarification from relevant authorities, the faculty has not been provided with precise instructions on how to rectify the situation.

Adding to the challenges, the faculty is also dealing with the issue of unapproved budget places for students in Serbian, Russian, and History programs. This has led the faculty to waive tuition fees for these students. The situation is further complicated by a government decision to transfer these departments to a newly established Faculty of Serbian Studies, a move currently halted by a temporary court measure. Faculty members believe the government's actions and the withholding of funds question its adherence to its own decisions.

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Other faculties at the University of Niš received it properly, only we did not. In response to our repeated reactions to the authorities, asking for help to correct the causes that led to the current situation, we did not receive precise instructions.