Open letter by trade unions from the defence and security system of Serbia
Below we publish the English translation of the open letter issued by the Independent Trade Union for Defence and Security of Serbia and the Military Trade Union “Iron Regiment”, originally published on the unions’ official website.
The translation is published with the consent of the trade union, with the aim of informing the international public about serious violations of trade union and human rights within the Serbian Armed Forces, and in order to encourage broader international solidarity.
Open letter
From The Independent Trade Union for Defence and Security of Serbia and The Military Trade Union “Iron Regiment”
To The President of the Republic of Serbia and Supreme Commander of the Serbian Armed Forces
A call to stand in protection of your soldiers and to halt the persecution of trade union representatives and members
Mr. President,
We address you as soldiers, officers, fathers, mothers, and citizens of the Republic of Serbia, deeply disturbed and shaken by the systematic persecution of trade union representatives and members within the Serbian Armed Forces.
After a statement appeared in the media at the beginning of 2024 asserting that trade unions in the Armed Forces and the Police should be abolished, all forms of social dialogue within the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces ceased. Instead of dialogue and institutional problem-solving, a harsh and organized campaign of intimidation, pressure, and destruction of trade union activity was launched.
This is no longer a trade union issue. This is a matter of fear, honour, family, and human dignity.
When a soldier’s home is entered at dawn – that is not justice
The most dramatic and painful moment of this persecution occurred several months ago, during the arrest of the President of the Military Trade Union “Iron Regiment” and his deputy.
In the early morning hours, while his children were still asleep in their beds, nearly an entire platoon of Military Police stormed his family home. In front of his family, in an atmosphere of fear and humiliation, an exhaustive search of the home of a soldier and officer with an impeccable career lasted eight hours.
Children watched armed men inside their own home, not knowing what was happening or why their father was being taken away – all on the birthday of the younger son.
The family endured fear that no military oath can justify.
Computers, trade union documentation, and personal belongings were seized, even though the accusations had no connection whatsoever to trade union work. That scene was not the enforcement of the law – it was a message. A message to everyone else about what awaits them if they dare to raise their voice.
That message was further emphasized when the union president was handcuffed on the runway in the middle of the military barracks, after twelve hours of searches of union offices and seizures. The following day, he was again escorted in handcuffs in public view, with the clear intention of humiliating him further and intimidating union members.
A persecution that spreads like fear
While the union president and his deputy were in detention, the trade union group “Ravnjak” was forcibly dissolved. Withdrawal requests were filled out in the names of members without their consent. This was followed by threats of forced transfers, blackmail, pressure on families, career blockages, and more.
An identical scenario was implemented in Kruševac, Kraljevo, Novi Pazar, Belgrade, Pirot, and later in Prokuplje, where, at Military Post Office 2822, under pressure and threats, more than 80% of members withdrew from the union. Persecution is currently being carried out against members across the entire country.
People were threatened with:
prohibition from participating in international missions
halted promotions
refusal to sign employment contracts
inability to employ a family member in a public service job
transfers far away from their families
Witnesses who testified in proceedings against the union president were intimidated into changing their statements.
The vilest lies are being spread about the president and the leadership – allegations of criminal activity, theft, and personal enrichment.
Disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against the president and his deputy in order to punish them more severely before a military court and, if possible, remove them from service altogether. Witness hearings and preparations of charges are currently underway.
The Military Police are demanding that the trade union submit financial reports and records of donations to the Armed Forces, despite having no jurisdiction over trade unions, which are independent of the employer.
The union president has been removed from his position due to a so-called “security” review and reassigned to a lower post under constant supervision. His personally issued firearm was confiscated without a warrant, and a renewed licensing procedure was initiated, within which he immediately received a negative “security” assessment.
For the first time in his career, his annual leave was fragmented into three separate periods – May, October, and December – none of which were among his requests, preventing him from spending school holidays with his elementary-school children. Every possible means is being used to deny this man a normal life.
This is not a security procedure. This is systematic breaking of people.
Who are the people being persecuted?
They are officers of the Serbian Armed Forces with the highest performance evaluations and decorations.
They are individuals with university degrees, awards, commendations, and years of honourable service.
They are people who never engaged in politics nor made enemies.
They are people who accepted sacrifice for everyone within the defence system.
They are those who gave everything to the state – and who are now declared enemies by that same state – because they demanded respect for the Constitution and the law.
Your silence has weight
The General Staff, the Ministry of Defence, the Minister, and numerous government representatives have all been informed of these events. No one has reacted. That silence is perceived within the barracks as approval.
And when a soldier loses a sense of justice, trust is lost as well.
Therefore, we call upon you
Mr. President, as Supreme Commander of the Serbian Armed Forces, we call upon you to:
stand in protection of your soldiers
halt further persecution of trade union representatives and members
ensure respect for the Constitution, the law, and international conventions
prevent the Serbian Armed Forces from becoming a place of fear instead of honour
We demand that knowledge, work, and dedication be valued – not union membership or non-membership.
This is not a fight against the state. This is a fight for the honour of the Serbian Armed Forces and the honour of the Serbian soldier.
Radnički glas 
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