This weekend somebody decided for fun, and somebody for work with trade unions – for a stronger trade union movement in the Balkans
Program coordinator of DC Youth Aleksandra Knežević showed that weekends could be filled with positive energy and good ideas even when they were the working ones. From September 9-11, she was in Montenegro, in parallel activities with the Trade Union of Employees in the Communal-Housing Sector of Serbia (Budva) and the Trade Union of Administration and Justice of Montenegro (Kotor).
She used her presence at the 27th Communal Olympics, the largest sports games in the region with more than 1,700 participants, for demonstrating her clear support to the further course of cooperation, as well as the beginning of planning joint activities for 2023.
“With the leadership of the host trade union, I share the vision of a modern reformed communal-housing activity, as one of the most important branches for the smooth daily functioning of each of us, and that is why I wish to contribute with my knowledge and experience in the field of project management to increasing the scope of this trade union’s activities, primarily through the usage of available regional and international funds. In the previous period, we have been dedicated to building internal capacities, and now is the ideal moment to start with the practical application of the acquired knowledge”, commented Aleksandra Knežević in regard to further cooperation with the Trade Union of Communal and Housing Sector of Serbia”.
In continuation, she also held intensive info day for project preparation and project cycle management for members of the Trade Union of Administration and Judiciary of Montenegro interested in dealing with this field, introducing them to basic concepts from the project world, as well as potential sources of financing project activities.
“Trade unions represent an important link of social activism and one of the last stable bulwarks of protecting the position and rights of workers. Therefore, it is the duty of each of us to share knowledge, information, advice with activists willing to engage; to influence constantly strengthening of their capacities; to contribute in making their efforts more visible in the community and more recognized and respected among decision-makers”, Aleksandra Knežević shared with those present during the training.
Intensification of activities with trade unions from the region is particularly significant considering that the plans for 2023/24 have obtained support from the European level, which, we hope, will greatly affect the change in the image and perception of the trade union among young people, as one of the potential reforming forces of the trade union movement. More information to follow.