The Migrant Workers’ Union of Serbia was officially presented in Belgrade, marking an important step toward the organization, protection of rights, and improvement of the position of workers employed outside Serbia, as well as their family members.
The establishment of the union represents a significant milestone in strengthening collective action among migrant workers, who often face numerous challenges, including limited access to information about their rights and working conditions, labor exploitation, discrimination, and difficulties in obtaining protection and support.
During the presentation, representatives outlined the union’s key objectives, including providing support to migrant workers, advocating for the advancement of their labor and social rights, increasing awareness of workers’ rights, and fostering cooperation with public institutions, trade unions, civil society organizations, and international partners.
The speakers emphasized the need for migrant workers’ voices to be more strongly represented in public discourse and decision-making processes affecting their lives and livelihoods. Particular attention was given to the importance of collective action in combating abuse, unsafe working conditions, and all forms of violations of labor and human rights.
ASTRA welcomes the establishment of the Migrant Workers’ Union of Serbia as an important initiative that contributes to the protection of migrant workers’ rights and the strengthening of their position. ASTRA’s long-standing experience in supporting victims of human trafficking and labor exploitation has demonstrated that worker organization, access to information, and effective protection mechanisms are essential for preventing abuse and ensuring decent working conditions.
We believe that the establishment of this union will contribute to stronger protection of migrant workers and their families, as well as to the advancement of labor and human rights standards for all workers engaged in international labor migration.