Serbian workers protest against new laws
Thousands of Serbian workers have taken to the streets of Belgrade to demand higher wages and to protest at a draft labour law that would increase employers’ rights.
The workers, led by the Association of Serbian Unions, have threatened to spread their protest and organise a general strike if the pro-Western government fails to amend or revoke the draft law during a debate in parliament today.
Serbia’s current government, which replaced ousted President Slobodan Milosevic last year, has faced a wave of strikes and protests in recent weeks after introducing ‘free market’ reforms which benefit employers and corporations at the expense of workers.
More than 5,000 people attended today’s protest in Belgrade, waving flags and blocking the centre of the city while police watched.
Earlier this month, workers in some of Serbia’s largest mines went on strike for a week demanding higher wages and better working conditions.
Employees at other state-run companies have also threatened strikes, saying the post-Milosevic Government has failed to fulfill its promise to increase living standards
