Montenegro Enhances Worker Protections Ahead of International Day

Strengthening worker protections is a priority for Montenegro as it prepares for the upcoming International Day of Dignified Work. Minister of Labour and Social Welfare, Naida Nišić, emphasized the importance of ensuring safe working conditions and safeguarding employees against workplace harassment. Speaking at a recent panel discussion titled “Dignified Work: Challenges and Perspectives in Montenegro,” Nišić outlined the country’s progress in labor rights while acknowledging the challenges that remain.

Montenegro has made strides in enhancing labor conditions, with the minimum wage increasing from €450 to €600, and then to €800. Nišić stressed that dignified work encompasses not just wages but also predictable and clear work conditions. The Labor Inspection must play a crucial role in providing this protection.

According to Nišić, many legislative measures concerning labor and social policy are currently under review by the European Commission. The adoption of these measures will align Montenegro’s laws with European Union standards, ultimately enhancing employee protections.

Upcoming Legislative Changes

Nišić announced plans to amend the Law on Protection from Harassment at Work to improve protections against bullying and harassment. She stated, “We will form a working group and collaborate with partners to ensure that all employees in Montenegro are protected from mobbing and other forms of harassment.” This initiative aims to create a support system for workers and foster a respectful working environment.

Bernard Brunet, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Montenegro, expressed confidence that Montenegro could become the 28th EU member by 2028. He described this goal as ambitious yet realistic, emphasizing the importance of commitment to the EU integration process. Brunet noted that EU membership entails not only obligations but also numerous economic, social, and institutional benefits.

Brunet highlighted the necessity of aligning Montenegrin legislation with EU laws and stated, “The process of legal harmonization is challenging but essential.” He reiterated the EU’s role in supporting Montenegro through various programs and financial aid to enhance its institutional capacities.

Addressing Workplace Complaints

Tatjana Radović-Todorović, Deputy Protector of Human Rights and Freedoms in Montenegro, pointed out that the right to work is a fundamental human right. She reported that between 30% and 40% of complaints received relate to violations of labor rights, reflecting ongoing challenges, particularly in precarious forms of employment such as temporary contracts and informal work. Young people, women, individuals with disabilities, and members of minority communities are often the most affected.

Radović-Todorović noted that many young people begin their careers under unstable employment conditions, which often leads to their emigration from Montenegro. Meanwhile, older individuals face age discrimination in the workplace. She raised concerns about the high incidence of stress and harassment at work, underscoring the importance of the forthcoming legal amendments.

She welcomed the anticipated changes to the Law on Protection from Harassment at Work, acknowledging the difficulties in proving mobbing in practice and the lengthy judicial processes that often favor employers.

In conclusion, Radović-Todorović emphasized the need for effective social dialogue, stating that the European Social Charter mandates the state to ensure productive dialogue between employers and trade unions. She reiterated the importance of union organization and employee participation in shaping labor policies, which are essential for fostering a dignified work environment in Montenegro.