According to data from the analysis on regional economic asymmetry for the second quarter of 2020, compiled by the State Statistical Office, the highest salaries are recorded in Belgrade and are 124% of the national average. The capital also has the highest employment rate, 7% above the national average.
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[close]Trade union Ver.di demands a 4.8% increase, or a minimum of €150 per month, for some 2.3 million federal and local employees over the next year. Because the first round of negotiations with the employers failed, the union launched a campaign of short strikes to press their demand, including hospital and child care centre employees and drainage workers. The next round of negotiations is scheduled for October 23 and 24.
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[close]The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has adopted an opinion following the European Parliament’s request for an exploratory opinion on minimum wages. The request was made after the Commission announced that it was considering proposing a legal instrument to ensure that every EU worker is entitled to a minimum wage allowing a decent standard of living. The EESC recognises concerns regarding possible EU action in this area and does not underestimate the complexities of the issues involved. It therefore stresses that any such EU initiative must be shaped on the basis of an accurate analysis of the situation in the Member States, and must fully respect the social partners’ role and autonomy, as well as the different industrial relations models.
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[close]A new collective agreement in the retail sector provides for implementation of a skills map amid the context of changing professions and makes the environment a topic of social dialogue at firms. As is now the accepted rule in most Nordic countries, negotiations over collective pay agreements on a confederation level have given way to bargaining on an industry branch level. Negotiations commenced in the industry sector, which sets the tone as it is an export industry subject to international competition. Other sectors followed, such as that of retail, which signed a particularly innovative agreement on 12 September.
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[close]Car parts manufacturer Cimos permanently terminated production at its plant in the town of Maribor due to lasting financial difficulties related to problems in the sector and the coronavirus pandemic. The management will offer the plant’s 150 workers a severance pay package or employment at the company’s subsidiaries.
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[close]Freelancers and self-employed people who stay home with children who have either tested positive for coronavirus or who are waiting for test results will be eligible for payments under the new government scheme which comes into force in October.
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[close]The union for secondary school teachers ASTI has agreed to ballot members on possible strike action. ASTI says the move followed concerns from its members over a number of key issues which have emerged since schools reopened. The union’s Central Executive Committee met to discuss the health and safety issues of its members. Some of the issues raised related to physical distancing in schools, the provision of PPE, the definition of close contacts, testing, and test turnaround times.
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[close]Based on a survey among over 10,000 people, research agency TNO found that employees worked more hours during the Coronavirus pandemic, both people who worked from home and those who still went to the office. However, this extra workload did not result in extra stress or burnout symptoms. More than four-fifths of employees still describe their health as good to very good.
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[close]The social partners in the rubber & plastics sector signed an agreement to renew their national collective agreement, which covers approximately 130,000 workers, including employees of multinational tyre companies such a Pirelli, Michelin, and Bridgestone. Subject to employee approval, the agreement will run until 31 December 2022 and includes a provision for a €63 increase in minimum salaries, health and safety advances as well as minor improvements in work-life balance.
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[close]After being bought by the Belgium Mediahuis in April, media group Saint-Paul announced a job cut of 80 because advertising revenues were too low during the Coronavirus crisis. The company owns the Luxembourg Times and the Luxemburger Wort newspapers. The company will be focusing on digital activities to retain and acquire more readers. Negotiations with the trade union on a social plan will start soon.
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