Serbia’s Student List has unveiled a programme proposing changes to working conditions, wages and workers’ social rights. One of its key proposals is a four-day working week with no reduction in pay.
Under the programme, titled “Labour and Social Affairs”, employers opting for this model would be able to organise work over four days, with a total of 32 working hours per week, while employees would continue receiving their full salaries, Nova.rs reports.
However, the measure would not be mandatory for all employers. It would apply only to those choosing to adopt this working arrangement.
Permanent Contracts After 12 Months
Another proposal would limit fixed-term employment contracts to a maximum of 12 months. After that period, workers could become eligible for permanent employment contracts.
The programme also envisages stronger protection against unfair dismissal and measures to prevent employers from pressuring workers into signing mutual termination agreements.
Higher Pay for Night and Weekend Work
The Student List is also proposing increased compensation for work performed under specific conditions.
Under the proposal, the minimum additional payments would be:
- 150 per cent for work on public holidays.
- 110 per cent for Sunday work.
- 50 per cent for night shifts.
- 50 per cent for overtime.
- 30 per cent for shift work.
- 26 per cent for fieldwork.
The programme also proposes that meal allowances amount to at least 10 per cent of the average salary paid by the employer, while the annual holiday allowance should be at least equivalent to one average monthly salary.
Greater Protection for Parents and Workers
The proposals also include changes to parental rights. Women who were employed before becoming pregnant would be entitled to maternity leave regardless of the type of employment contract they hold.
For fathers, the programme proposes three months of leave following the birth of a child.
For the first 30 days of sick leave, employees would receive compensation amounting to at least 75 per cent of their respective salary.
The programme also seeks to introduce workers’ right to disconnect, allowing them not to respond to work-related requests after their official working hours have ended.
Pension System Reforms
The proposed changes also extend to the pension system. The Student List is calling for pensions to be adjusted twice a year, higher payments for pensioners receiving the lowest pensions, and the introduction of a social pension for people over 65 who do not have sufficient years of service to qualify for a regular pension.
It also proposes removing penalties for early retirement in certain cases, depending on the number of years worked.
The programme further includes measures to strengthen protections for workers employed through digital platforms, agencies and other non-traditional forms of employment.
All these measures remain proposals put forward by the Student List and have not been adopted into law. Their implementation would require amendments to the relevant legislation in Serbia.
