Andrej Kaluđerović, the spokesperson for the Railway Infrastructure (ŽICG) workforce, announced that no agreement had been reached with the company’s management, which means that the train traffic blockade will persist.

Kaluđerović pointed out that the management’s claims were inaccurate, stating that they did not outright reject the entire ŽICG proposal, but instead removed certain elements and adjusted specific coefficients.

“The management hastily released statements; however, the minutes from our meeting are still pending, and we have not received or signed them. The blockade is ongoing. We are prepared for discussions starting Friday, emphasizing the seriousness of the Government and management, which only today chose to engage in dialogue, while passengers, the economy, and workers face hardships…”, Kaluđerović stressed.

When questioned regarding the management’s assertion that their salaries would be raised by 300 euros, Kaluđerović clarified that this affirmed their own statements, indicating that salaries ranged from 680 to 700 euros, contrary to the management’s claim of 780 to 1,000 euros.

No assurances for a collective agreement.

Kaluđerović further explained that they proposed a coefficient of 7.9 percent, with a 30 percent increase to the base salary, along with a special allowance for safety and challenging work conditions at shift stations, which they argued was reduced from 25 percent to 20 percent…

“We have removed the special allowance for safety and challenging work at the crossing stations, which accounted for 10 percent. Overtime payments remain, and the average for annual leave usage is intact, while Sunday work and seniority benefits have been withdrawn… The proposed coefficient of 7.9 percent and the 30 percent adjustment were not aligned with the workload of the dispatchers, who are essential for the system’s operation,” Kaluđerović explained.

He remarked that attempts were made to undermine their dignity, asserting that they are not saboteurs, but rather, they work responsibly and conscientiously. They expressed support for the management’s initiative to introduce labor from abroad but reiterated their stance, noting that they had already compromised more than they intended.

They clarified that it is inaccurate to say that some of the 85 members abandoned the blockade, and they sought assurance regarding the collective agreement, specifically the date it would be signed, which they were unable to obtain.

“We remain here, awaiting the retrieval of all 85 workbooks to allow these individuals to commence train operations without us. The blockade continues,” he stated.

Kaluđerović highlighted that management has claimed the salaries of the two railway companies were illegal, prompting them to call upon institutions to verify their operations.

News