The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) has urged the Montenegrin government to allocate financial funds, rather than credit guarantees, for the procurement of machinery essential for maintaining the operations of Port of Bar.
In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, ETF’s General Secretary Livia Spera expressed appreciation for the government’s approach to merge the former Port of Bar entities but emphasized that the government’s priority must be ensuring the operational viability of the port.
ETF, a pan-European democratic federation representing over five million transport workers across Europe, including maritime, dock, and civil aviation workers, raised concerns about the violation of workers’ rights at Serbia and Montenegro Air Traffic Control (SMATSA) and the situation at Port of Bar following the severe weather event on July 2.
“The escalation at SMATSA was exacerbated by the government’s lack of action and its support for decisions that resulted in significant pay increases for management while employees saw little to no salary increases for the coming year,” Spera stated.
The Ministry of Transport in Montenegro is aware of the situation at SMATSA, and ETF expressed regret at the government’s inadequate response. “As the situation escalated, employees were denied their right to collective bargaining and later the right to strike. ETF calls on the government to take decisive action to defend the values it has publicly committed to,” Spera said.
Additionally, ETF called on the Montenegrin government to protect workers’ rights as outlined in international conventions ratified by the country.
Spera also highlighted the significant damage to Port of Bar caused by the storm on July 2. Despite public promises of assistance, the government has yet to approve any financial aid for the port. “Our member union, the Independent Union of Maritime and Transport Workers of Montenegro, rightfully pointed out the need for urgent intervention, both through state aid and as the majority shareholder of Port of Bar,” Spera added.
She criticized the government’s slow and inconsistent response, similar to its handling of the SMATSA situation. “ETF is particularly focused on Central and Eastern Europe and regrets that Port of Bar is developing far more slowly compared to other ports along the eastern Adriatic coast. The storm damage, leaving the port with only two mobile cranes, has worsened an already difficult situation,” Spera concluded.
