The world of labour in a state of precarious transition: the case of Serbia
The world of labour in a state of precarious transition: the case of Serbia

Summary/Abstract: The long-term social crisis present in Serbia has affected first and foremost wageearners and people who are dependent on transfer payments from the state budget. This has been the source of particularly strong social conflicts, in which wage-earners have been one of the main actors. This discontent and the gradually-rising awareness that, within the old approach to trade unionism it is impossible to resolve social contradictions, were the motive forces behind the emergence of new, democratic, independent forms of trade unionism. Thus, from numerous initiatives in factories and establishments, and from the reformist wing in the then only trade union – SSS – emerged the new, independent trade union movement, in which UGS Nezavisnost is developing as the main driving force. The free trade union movement emerged in extremely difficult, restrictive political and social circumstances, characterised by the break-up of the country, war, nationalism, rising economic degradation and the impoverishment of the working class, and the brutal violation of trade union freedoms and rights. Hence, change in the social environment became a vital area for trade union action and social conflict in general.

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