The Ministry of Transport (MSA) along with the Railway Infrastructure of Montenegro (ŽICG) has stated that the allegations made earlier today by Andrej Kaluđerović, a spokesperson for a group of ŽICG workers who halted operations last Friday, are inaccurate.

Kaluđerović claimed that the workers he represents are not rejecting the agreed-upon salary but are demanding a binding start date for salary payments.

“In reference to Andrej Kaluđerović’s media statements, we want to inform the public that his claims are unfounded. Kaluđerović declined invitations for negotiations, insisting on demands that he was aware were not legally viable and ultimately dismissed the final proposal of a collective agreement. Consequently, he has taken responsibility for obstructing railway operations and critical infrastructure, which violates legal regulations and fails to uphold basic work obligations in a public interest sector. Such actions jeopardize the entire system, particularly the employees of Montecargo and their signed contracts for goods transportation, which are crucial for the company’s future,” stated a joint announcement from MSA and ŽICG.

The statement further explained that ŽICG, in collaboration with representative unions and the Ministry of Transport, has formulated a collective agreement that, for the first time in many years, offers significant salary increases for all employees.

“The proposal presented to Mr. Kaluđerović includes a coefficient of 7.9 for the role of train dispatcher, with an additional 30% increase to the base salary. As a result, net salaries for this position would range from 1,000 to 1,260 euros, depending on tenure. While the offer addressed the requirements he previously set forth, Kaluđerović has rejected it, thereby concluding negotiations on this matter. The law explicitly outlines how a collective agreement is negotiated, executed, and adopted, rendering Mr. Kaluđerović’s statements mere justifications for a continued illegal blockade of railway operations and critical infrastructure,” MSA and ŽICG commented.

Both institutions affirmed that the offer presented constitutes the final and only legal pathway, and it will be incorporated into the collective agreement applicable to all employees who adhere to their job responsibilities.

“The Ministry of Transport and ŽICG wish to notify the public that some employees have accepted the proposed conditions and expressed a desire to promptly resume work, facilitating the gradual restoration of railway services. Initially, trains and vehicles that have been held back will be operational again. We anticipate that the situation will stabilize over the coming days, gradually increasing the number of available departures until traffic is fully normalized. Full accountability is anticipated for those who neglect their work duties and inflict significant harm to the company. The Railway Infrastructure of Montenegro has already filed criminal charges and initiated disciplinary actions against several individuals whose illegal work suspensions and actions have caused blockages of critical infrastructure and substantial material damages,” the statement elaborated.

MSA and ŽICG assert their commitment to safeguarding the public interest, upholding the legal framework, and enhancing working conditions for all employees through a new collective agreement.

“Nevertheless, the state must not yield to coercion, especially when there is no foundation for such demands,” MSA and ŽICG concluded.

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