The workers of the German company LEISTRITZ TURBINSKE KOMPONENTE BELIŠĆE D.O.O. have decided to protect their labor rights and raise the level of existing ones by joining the Novi sindikat. Out of a total of 200 employees, more than 70 of them decided to take this important step. On this occasion, a meeting between the workers and representatives of Novi sindikat was held the day before yesterday in front of the factory plant in Belišće. Novi sindikat was represented by President Mario Iveković, General Secretary Tomislav Kiš, and lawyer Katarina Perković. The purpose of the meeting was to get to know the workers and present the union’s possibilities, and the reason why it was held in front of the plant is that the director and the procurator refuse communication and a meeting with the union even now, in the early stages of union organization.
The director’s position is evident in an e-mail, recounted at the meeting between the workers and the union, which he sent in response to an inquiry regarding an appointment for a meeting. Zoran Pepić mentions a conversation with the branch Metalworkers’ Union – Belišće and a contract signed with them, without stating what kind of contract it is, and cites the short notice as the reason for the inability to receive union representatives, as well as the fact that the representatives of the Metalworkers’ Union are in negotiations for a salary increase with the management of another company.
It became clear that the director avoided any meetings with Novi sindikat, despite attempts to arrange an appointment for a month, while maintaining a comfortable relationship with the Metalworkers’ Union. The claim of scheduling conflicts was contradicted when workers noticed the director present in the factory yard at the time of the meeting. The entry of Novi sindikat has reportedly upset the employer, who has attempted to intimidate workers on fixed-term contracts and issue reprimands following union membership. Director Zoran Pepić did not respond to calls, and the Metalworkers’ Union representative refused to provide details, citing a “trade secret.”
Although wages are currently paid on time, working conditions leave room for improvement. Workers face pressure to work overtime, particularly during the summer when the halls become very hot. Due to longer working hours and short breaks between shifts, workers do not have sufficient rest or recovery. Overtime hours exceeding the statutory maximum of 180 hours are not officially recorded. According to Novi sindikat representatives, this issue could be resolved relatively easily through the state inspectorate, but the employer has shown no willingness to address it.
Novi sindikat emphasized that concluding a collective agreement could significantly improve working conditions. Their work focuses on collective bargaining and the protection of workers’ rights, rather than perks such as organized excursions, feasts, or other membership privileges offered by so-called “pork-half unions.” They stressed the importance of workers understanding that they are the key part of the union and must remain united and persistent in pursuing their goals.
Despite threats and attempts at obstruction, Novi sindikat has highlighted that quality personnel are difficult to replace, requiring months of training, which strengthens the workers’ bargaining position. Many workers have lost faith in traditional unions focused on social events rather than real worker advocacy. However, the unionization of Leistritz workers serves as an incentive for workers in other companies in Belišće to organize. With a strong base and experienced leadership, Novi sindikat can only strengthen the workers’ position, as demonstrated by successful campaigns in the past two years.
