A conference titled ‘Social Dialogue in Montenegro in the Context of European Union Accession’ was held today in Podgorica, jointly organized by the Union of Free Trade Unions of Montenegro and the Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Dialogue, with support from the Solidarity Center.
The conference brought together representatives of key social partners, the Social Council, government officials, parliamentary groups, and other relevant stakeholders, with the aim of jointly assessing the state of social dialogue in Montenegro at all levels, in the context of the anticipated provisional closure of Chapter 19 – Social Policy and Employment.
One of the principal findings from the opening of the conference was that building mutual trust between social partners, the Parliament, and the Government of Montenegro is a prerequisite for improving social dialogue and strengthening the role of social partners and the Social Council. Inclusiveness in decision-making processes, transparency, and open social dialogue are the foundation for successful work in this area and for achieving European standards.
At the first panel dedicated to the state of social dialogue in the European Union, the speakers included: Oliver Röpke, President of the European Economic and Social Committee; Andrej Zorko, Chair of the Western Balkans Group within the European Economic and Social Committee; Predrag Zenović, Montenegro’s Chief Negotiator with the European Union; Slobodan Mikavica, President of the Montenegrin Employers’ Federation; and Srđa Keković, Secretary General of the Union of Free Trade Unions of Montenegro. The panelists agreed that this conference represents an important step toward further strengthening social dialogue in Montenegro and emphasized its significance as a key mechanism for achieving societal consensus on ongoing reforms in the context of EU accession.
At the second panel, dedicated to the topic ‘Social Dialogue: Barrier or Opportunity,’ the panelists were: Naida Nišić, Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Dialogue; Milutin Butorović, Minister without Portfolio; Slaviša Šćekić, President of the Assembly of the Montenegrin Employers’ Federation; and Željko Burić, Deputy Secretary General of the Union of Free Trade Unions of Montenegro. They noted that Montenegro can be proud of positive examples of social dialogue, but emphasized that there is room for improvement at all levels. They also highlighted the need to strengthen the capacities of social partners and empower their role.
The Conference concludes that Montenegro must recognize the role and importance of social dialogue as a mechanism for establishing balance in the pursuit of overall economic and democratic prosperity, social justice, equality, the preservation of decent working conditions, and social cohesion. In this regard, the message from all Conference participants is that it is essential to foster a culture of social dialogue, promote its role and significance, and simultaneously strengthen the position of the Social Council
UNION OF FREE TRADE UNIONS OF MONTENEGRO
MINISTRY OF LABOUR, EMPLOYMENT AND SOCIAL DIALOGUE
