A letter of support due to anti-union discrimination against the president of the Independent Police Union of Montenegro (NSPCG) also arrived from the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC).
In ETUC’s letter to the Delegation of the European Union in Montenegro, the ETUC is requesting assistance in ensuring that trade union rights are fully respected in Montenegro, while in letters to the Government of Montenegro, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Police Directorate, ETUC calls for an immediate halt to any trade union discrimination, particularly the persecution of the President and members of the Independent Trade Union of Police (NSPCG) of Montenegro
Below is the letter to the EU Delegation.
Dear Ms. Popa,
Re: Violation of Trade Union rights in Montenegro
Please find attached letters addressed to representatives of the Montenegrin government regarding the violation of trade union rights.
Based on information provided by our member organization, we have identified a clear and severe breach of fundamental rights related to trade union activities and freedom of speech. We kindly request your assistance in ensuring that trade union rights are fully respected in Montenegro.
I would be happy to provide further information on these violations.
Thank you for your support and I am looking forward to hearing from you
Yours sincerely,
Esther Lynch
ETUC General Secretary
Below is the letter addressed to the Government of Montenegro, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Police Directorate.
Dear Prime Minister Abazović,
Re: Violation of Trade Union rights in Montenegro
Our member, the Union of Free Trade Unions of Montenegro (UFTUM/USSCG), has informed us about a recent case of trade union discrimination against the president of the Independent Trade Union of Police of Montenegro (NSPCG), Mr. Igor Rmandić. The ETUC is aware that the current regulations in Montenegro prohibit discrimination on any basis, including trade union activities and association.
According to our information, the members of the NSPCG have been subjected to trade union discrimination, pressure, and intimidation since their establishment, which has now escalated into gross discrimination against the union’s president. We have been informed by the UFTUM about an “illegal” recent reassignment of Igor Rmandić to a distant workplace. Mr. Rmandić has also informed us in writing that he has been put under pressure by senior officers of the authorities about public statements he made in his capacity as a trade union leader.
The ETUC requests an immediate halt to any trade union discrimination, particularly the persecution of the President and members of the Independent Trade Union of Police (NSPCG) of Montenegro. We ask you to guarantee the full right to freedom of speech for all, but especially for trade union representatives such as Mr. Igor Rmandić, the President of the NSPCG.
We hope to hear from you soon.
Yours sincerely,
Esther Lynch
ETUC General Secretary
