The Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia, Prof. Dr Slavica Djukic-Dejanovic received a delegation of the Alliance of Independent Unions of Serbia, headed by the Alliance President Ljubisav Orbovic. In addition to Orbovic the meeting was also attended by Slavica Savic, Alliance Council Secretary, Vlada Andric, Alliance Council Vice-President and Milorad Mijatovic, Vice-President of the Council of the Alliance of Independent Unions of Serbia.

The representatives of the Alliance of Independent Unions of Serbia were dissatisfied with the Bill amending and modifying the Pension and Disability Insurance Law, in assembly procedure since 21 June 2010. Orbovic stressed that the unions’ dissatisfaction focused on, inter alia, three segments - the fear of a sharp drop in pensions in the near future, unsubstantiated request to prolong the service years for women, considering that it has already been set at 65 years of age. As the third element, they listed the reduced service years for retirement as this Bill would bring all employees with the right to reduced service years to the same plane. With it in mind, they brought up the example of miners who deserve special benefits.

They also pointed out that the correct procedure for the adoption of laws has not been observed, because, they say, their proposals and suggestions had been ignored, and the Bill was not put to public debate.

The National Assembly Speaker stressed that every bill that enters assembly procedure can be modified by amendments, adding that social dialogue is the correct solution that might give the answer to all disputed questions relating to this Bill. Also, Djukic-Dejanovic noted that the series of activities planned by the union representatives can give hope to come up with a common solution among the unions and the submitter and the deputies in the interest of all Serbian citizens.

Orbovic informed the Speaker that the Alliance of Independent Unions of Serbia is also interested in a referendum procedure regarding the issue of withdrawal of the Bill from assembly procedure.