Kosovo Actions

On 7 October, for the World Day for Decent Work, IndustriALL affiliate, the Independent Trade Union of Metalworkers of Kosovo (SPMK) and the Independent Trade Union of Energy of Kosovain (SPEK) in cooperation with the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Foundation – Prishtina Office, organized a round table dedicated to International campaign to STOP Precarious Work, in the presence of the Kosovo press.

Topics on Kosovo legislation, implementation of existing laws, national, regional and individual contracts were discussed at the round table. This day reflects upon the role and influence of WDDW on the Kosovo workforce and the role of the Trade Unions in defending and advancing workers rights.

The round table was opened by Izet Mustafa – chair of SPEK, while Professor Izet Shehu, an expert in his field, spoke about the existing labor laws and labor conditions in Kosovo.

Hasan Abazi, chair of SPMK, spoke on “The Role and Impact of the WDDW on 7 October, on Kosovo workforce and the role of trade unions in defending their rights”.

After a thorough debate with representatives from all Trade Unions and others present, several conclusions and recommendations necessary for improving the conditions in Kosovo were extracted:

• Kosovo Trade Unions join the European and Global trade unions in the activity to STOP Precarious Work
• Kosovo Trade Unions ask for social dialogue to be qualitative and represented by trade unions with real membership.
• To sign national and sectorial agreements in the interest of defending and advancing labour rights.
• Adopt a Law on health insurance.
• To complete the law on occupational and health safety with sublegal acts, and draft a list of occupational diseases
• Strictly implement existing laws regulating labour relations and conditions. (asking for these laws to be upgraded, not downgraded)
• Review the privatization process entirely and undertake necessary measures to improve the conditions caused by the current process. (Asking not to privatize TREPÇA, PTK and other enterprises of vital importance for the state)
• Re-functionalize the Kosovo Trade Unions Confederation (BSPK) but with a structure of Trade Unions which have real members.