• 2025-11-04

CDF: Serbia is Losing Factories, Workers Are Losing Jobs – What Is the Government’s Plan?

Announcement of the Center for Democracy Foundation

In just the past several weeks and months, factory closures have been announced by Kentaur in Vranje (more than 250 workers are losing their jobs), the Subotica-based factory Flender (350 workers have lost their jobs), the Trendteks factory in Bela Palanka (50 workers are losing their jobs), and the Leoni factory is closing its doors in Niš (1,900 workers will lose their jobs). Before that, Benetton, Johnson Electric, and Dräxlmaier also announced layoffs.

The Center for Democracy Foundation (CDF) raises the question of what the government’s program is in a situation where it is evident that, with the existing model of economic development, Serbia is extremely vulnerable and at risk of a large number of employees losing their livelihoods — especially in light of general economic instability.

CDF calls on the competent state authorities and institutions to provide all necessary assistance to workers who are losing their jobs, both at the local and national levels, and to present a clear economic development plan that will ensure sustainable employment.

Workers’ rights in Serbia are seriously endangered, while the existing legal framework, weak implementation of regulations, and lengthy labor dispute procedures lead to insecure and inadequately paid jobs. The Center for Democracy Foundation advocates for the urgent reform of labor legislation in accordance with the standards of the European Union and the International Labour Organization.

Center for Democracy Foundation (CDF)