We mark 1 May as a day of struggle for the fundamental human rights of workers, but this date also obliges us to overcome identified problems and continuously improve equality in the workplace. A dignified life and a safer future for every individual also contribute to the economic progress of society as a whole, says the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality, Milan Antonijević.

According to the Commissioner, a shared priority must be a work environment free from discrimination, in which no one is neglected or excluded because of any personal characteristic.

Despite all efforts and the standards achieved, the area of labor and employment has for years ranked among the highest in terms of the number of complaints submitted to the Commissioner. The institution’s practice shows that discrimination is present on the basis of all personal characteristics, while recently there has been an increasing number of complaints based on political affiliation and membership in trade union organizations, which is why the Commissioner intends to prepare a special report.

When it comes to age discrimination in this area, in the case of young people we most often speak about it in the context of fixed-term contracts or contracts for work outside an employment relationship. These “flexible” forms of employment are often linked to lower levels of labor and social protection, as well as to a much higher degree of economic and social insecurity, which is why certain legal interventions are necessary, along with the consistent enforcement of labor rights. On the other hand, practice shows that “older” workers face problems related to employment, professional development or dismissal because of their age, Antonijević states.

In order to identify and prevent potential cases of discrimination, as well as to improve an equal and inclusive business environment, the institution of the Commissioner recently organized a “Dialogue between the Commissioner and representatives of the business community”.

The idea is for these meetings to become regular, while in the future much greater attention must be paid to the needs of all generations and members of groups at higher risk of discrimination, such as persons with disabilities, pregnant women and women on maternity leave, Roma women and men, people over the age of 55, and young people seeking their first job. Strengthening cooperation, exchanging good practices, as well as having an open discussion about the challenges employers face in improving equality in the field of labor, can help us create a work environment free from discrimination. In this way, we will have satisfied and motivated employees, which will in turn produce excellent business results, the Commissioner says.