Belgrade, March 4, 2025 

In a significant gathering aimed at addressing the pressing issues surrounding labour justice, members of the Regional Network of Agencies for Amicable Settlement of Labour Disputes in the Western Balkans convened in Belgrade on 4 March 2025 for a joint meeting on Access to Labour Justice for All: Prevention and Resolution of Labour Disputes. The focus of the meeting was on the prevention and resolution of labour disputes, a critical aspect of ensuring fair and equitable working conditions for all. This event also celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Agency for Peaceful Settlement of Labor Disputes of the Republic of Serbia one of the leading agencies of the network. The conference was organized by the International Labour Organziation's ESAP 3 project and the Serbian Agency for Peaceful Settlement of Labour Disputes, with funding from the European Union.

The meeting served as a platform to take stock of recent developments, challenges, and opportunities in the fields of labour dispute prevention and resolution (LDPR) and share EU experiences on the topic. Participants from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Bulgaria along with their counterparts from Belgium, Greece, Portugal, Spain and Sweden engaged in in-depth discussions about the principles that underpin effective LDPR mechanisms and institutions and explore recommendations that could guide future normative and non-normative actions.

Panel 1: Bridging the Gap: How Conciliation and Mediation Transform Labour Dispute Dynamics in the Western Balkans and European Union

This panel highlighted the transformative power of conciliation and mediation in labour disputes. Key speakers included Irene Wennemo, Director-General of the National Mediation Office in Sweden, and Eva Ruiz Colomé, Lawyer of the Procedure Area at SIMA in Spain. They shared their experiences and strategies for effective dispute resolution, emphasizing the importance of building trust and communication between parties. The discussion underscored the role of mediation in fostering a collaborative environment and reducing the adversarial nature of labour disputes.

Panel 2: Stopping the Storm Before It Starts: Rethinking Prevention in Labour Disputes

This session focused on proactive measures to prevent labour disputes. Cristina Mihes, an expert in Labour and Employment Relations, presented ILO policy guidance aimed at achieving inclusive access to labour justice through effective prevention mechanisms.

One of the key themes that emerged from the discussions was the recognition of access to labour justice as a fundamental pillar of the rule of law, central to the mandate of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and promoted by the European Union. Effective LDPR mechanisms are essential for the realization of labour rights and the implementation of international labour standards. However, the meeting also highlighted the diverse challenges faced by national LDPR systems, which vary based on their specific contexts but share common issues stemming from rapid changes in the world of work.

Participants identified several barriers to effective labour justice, including legal and practical exclusions of informal, non-standard, and migrant workers. Weak regulations, restrictions on freedom of association, low coverage of collective bargaining, and a lack of political will were also cited as significant obstacles. Additionally, the advent of technological advances, while presenting new opportunities, also posed challenges in terms of digital case management and the use of artificial intelligence in dispute resolution.

The meeting underscored the importance of prevention as a core strategy for effective labour dispute resolution. Social dialogue, collective bargaining, and workplace cooperation were highlighted as crucial elements in preserving relationships between parties and reducing judicial backlogs. The success of specialized labour courts with well-trained judges was also noted, along with the effectiveness of distinct avenues for settling rights-based and interest-based disputes.

Panel 3: Collaboration in Action: Leveraging International Partnerships for Effective Labour Dispute Settlement

The final panel showcased the benefits of international collaboration in resolving labour disputes. Speakers included Spyros Vogiatzis, Director of OMED in Greece, and Philip Verstraete, Advisor-general and Social Conciliator from Belgium. They discussed successful partnerships and shared best practices for cross-border cooperation, highlighting the role of shared knowledge and resources in enhancing dispute resolution processes. The panel emphasized the importance of international cooperation in addressing complex labour issues and improving dispute resolution outcomes

The meeting in Belgrade marked a significant effort to address the challenges and opportunities in labour dispute resolution.