Within the project “Tourism is people” a workshop for employers and workers was held on 17 March in Belgrade under the title “Social Dialogue in Tourism and Hospitality Sector and the EU experiences and practice”.
The introductory notes about the EU dialogue within this sector were presented by Ms Kerstin Howald (EFFAT) and Mr Anze Hirsl (ZDS). These were followed by representatives of Ministry of Tourism, Tourist Inspection, Labour Inspection, Tourist Organization of Serbia and Chamber of Commerce of Serbia, which presented their work and plans that influence and shape the business environment in which this sector operates in Serbia.
The main conclusion of workshop was that it is obviously necessary to organize such workshops and bilateral discussions among the social partners more often, considering that there are many different and important issues that slow down development of this, important for Serbian economy, sector. On one side, the employers are particularly concerned about informal economy, frequent changes of the laws and fiscal and parafiscal burdens. On the other side, the workers are dissatisfied due to the fact that there is no valid collective agreement for this sector, that the minimum wage has not been changed over the long period of time and particularly afraid of possible abuse of agency work. The problem of quality education and lack of practical knowledge that follows the needs of this sector, especially among the youth, was also recognized as an obstacle by both sides. The two parties also confirmed their dissatisfaction due to the fact that the government’s ministries and various institutions still shape their policies without consultations with the social partners and taking into consideration their concerns and proposals.
Finally, the trade unions and employers were invited to convene meetings of their own more frequently and it was expressed the hope that this particular workshop will initiate the discussions among the social partners in the coming months.
With financial support by the European Union.