It is especially concerning that the Union of Free Trade Unions of Montenegro (USSCG), under the leadership of Srđa Keković, has publicly endorsed illegal activities such as misappropriation of funds, document forgery, and betrayal of vulnerable service users, as stated in today’s announcement by the Post of Montenegro.

The state-owned company responded to the protest held by representatives of the Unified Trade Union of the Post of Montenegro, which took place in front of the main Post Office on Slobode Street in Podgorica. The protesters reiterated their demand for the management to revoke the dismissal of union activist Jugoslav Marković, who serves as the president of the 2023 strike committee, and to reinstate him.

Srđa Keković, the Secretary General of the USSCG (which includes the United Post Union), asserted during the protest that Marković was being targeted for retaliation due to the strike he initiated and the fraudulent activities he brought to light concerning the Post Office. He claimed Marković did nothing wrong that other postal workers do when users are unable to sign.

“In light of the accusations made by representatives of the Unified Trade Union of Employees at the Post of Montenegro, we feel compelled to respond, highlighting their inaccuracies and lack of foundation for the public’s sake. The Post of Montenegro operates in conformity with regulations and corporate responsibility principles, firmly rejecting all baseless claims and attempts by irresponsible individuals to sow chaos within the business,” the Post stated.

The company emphasized that it will not permit chaos where decisions are swayed by pressure and personal interests.

“It is alarming that the Union of Free Trade Unions of Montenegro, headed by Mr. Keković, through its public displays, openly supports illegal actions such as the misappropriation of funds, document forgery, and the exploitation of our vulnerable service users. Irresponsible individuals make accusations without evidence, merely making general claims,” added the Post.

They further stated, “Claims regarding negative assessments and the management of financial resources are old narratives. Each of these claims has been thoroughly investigated by the relevant authorities based on multiple reports, so let’s allow these institutions to do their job.”

“We want to reassure the public that the ultimate decision regarding Jugoslav Marković’s employment termination will be made by the appropriate court, not through any coercion, as we have learned that legal proceedings have begun. In court, he will have the opportunity to present his arguments, and the Post of Montenegro will continue to honor court rulings,” the Post asserted.

They also stressed that there is no coercion experienced by employees at the Post of Montenegro.

“Conversely, this state-run company is experiencing significant business success and achieving record revenues, allowing for salary increases for all staff. Thus, these increases are not solely due to union demands but are the result of overall financial success and responsible management, to which most employees have contributed through their hard work. Without effective leadership, the establishment of new high-quality contracts, and the creation of new business collaborations, we could not achieve higher revenues, which translate to better salaries and employment benefits—something all employees can attest to,” the statement continued.

Referring to what the Post Office described as “malicious remarks from board member Stojan Sjekloća,” they clarified that the motivations are clear, rooted in the termination of his employment for work misconduct, improper behavior, and alleged harassment of female colleagues.

“A competent court confirmed that the termination of his employment contract was executed legally. Therefore, it is not surprising to see yet another angry reaction aimed at tarnishing the management’s reputation, disregarding how such irresponsible behavior could harm the Post of Montenegro’s business image. Lastly, we reaffirm that the Post of Montenegro will continue to operate lawfully and in the best interest of its employees and the public, and those working to undermine the company’s reputation through political manipulation should recognize that the correct approach is to address all open issues through institutional means,” the Post concluded.

Stojan Sjekloća, a member of the Board of Directors of the Post of Montenegro, showed his support for today’s protest by the United Trade Union, calling for the reinstatement of Jugoslav Marković.

Sjekloća claimed it is his responsibility to inform that the current situation at the Post Office has deteriorated significantly since 2016, suggesting that Marković’s dismissal is just a small part of a bigger issue.

On February 21, “Vijesti” reported that the Montenegrin Post Administration had terminated Jugoslav Marković, a union leader and the president of the strike committee advocating for salary increases in 2023, based on allegations that as a postman in Budva, he failed to deliver a pension to a beneficiary and forged her signature on a money order.

Marković contended that he did pay the pension to the Budva beneficiary, signed the money order at her request, and when she reported him, he reimbursed her from his own funds for the pension amount.

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