ETF Attends Court Hearing on Union Busting Case in Air Serbia

After numerous calls for international action and a petition in 2023, the ETF persists in its solidarity with the workers of the Central Union of Aeronautical Stewardesses and Stewards (JSSSV) of Serbia.

Since last year, Air Serbia management has been carrying out flagrant union busting activities, notably by targeting the leading members of JSSSV. These actions initially arose after collective bargaining negotiations collapsed in early 2023, and management unsuccessfully interfered in the latest cabin crew union elections. As a result, the company initiated a campaign of intimidation against the union leadership and its members.

Four of the targeted workers decided to stand their ground and take the fight for their rights to the courts. On 21 October 2024, several members of the ETF Civil Aviation Section showed their encouragement and international solidarity by meeting them in Belgrade just before the second court hearing of the process. As ETF has denounced before, these unionised workers were effectively pushed out of their jobs by being demoted to entry level positions in customer services and absurdly branded as “too experienced to fly”.

In light of these developments, it is time to reaffirm ETF’s demands to protect the rights and dignity of Air Serbia workers:

1. Cease the Pressure and Intimidation: Air Serbia’s management must immediately cease any and all pressure and intimidation directed towards JSSSV union members. Workers should be free to exercise their rights without fear of reprisal.

2. Reinstate Colleagues: Management must reinstate colleagues who face demotion solely because of their union activity. A just workplace requires the fair treatment of all employees, regardless of their union affiliation.

4. Compliance with International Law: According to the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, any abuse of fundamental labour rights by a state-owned or controlled company may constitute a violation of the state’s international law obligations. These prerogatives must be enforced.

5. Uphold Fundamental Rights: Freedom of association, the right to organize and bargain collectively, and the right to be free from discrimination, including for union membership, are fundamental rights enshrined in core conventions and charters of international organizations such as the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Council of Europe (CoE). Serbia, as a full member of these organizations, must protect these rights.

We urge, once more, Air Serbia to respect these demands, and we call upon the Serbian authorities to ensure the dignity of aviation workers and the protection of their internationally recognised rights. As Serbia progresses on its path towards EU membership, adherence to international labour standards is not just a choice – but a responsibility.

As Serbian workers stand strong, we proudly stand beside them!