USSCG: Pressure on Rmandić, continuation of anti-union discrimination

The invitation to the president of the Independent Police Union of Montenegro (NSPCG) of Montenegro, Igor Rmandić, to make a statement in the Podgorica Security Department regarding today's peaceful protest gathering, the Union of Free Trade Unions assesses as a continuation of pressure and anti-union discrimination, the USSCG announced.

"Without a written order on who ordered his interrogation, why and for what, it is clear that this is a pre-staged continuation of the exhaustion of the president of the NSPCG, but also the intimidation of all members of this union, especially the participants of today's protest. It is clear the intention that, in addition to the attempt to limit the right to organize and act in trade unions, now wants to limit the right to public assembly, freedom of thought and freedom of expression," the announcement states.

This type of the latest attack on basic human rights and freedoms will not, as they stated, prevent the NSPCG from continuing its uncompromising struggle to improve the working conditions of Montenegrin police officers.

"In that struggle, which means the struggle for true democratic values ​​and freedoms, the Union of Free Trade Unions of Montenegro will be their safe support and companion," the Union of Free Trade Unions announced.

Since the state and judicial authorities reacted promptly in the case of today's protest rally, which was announced and held in accordance with the law, as they added, we believe that starting tomorrow, they will also respond to any of our public indications of anti-union discrimination and violations as a matter of official duty, they said, basic rights from work and based on work.

"In this regard, we remind them of Article 182 of the Criminal Code, which prescribes a prison sentence or a fine for those who knowingly violate the law or in other illegal ways prevent or hinder trade union organization and activities. We also point to Article 224, which provides for a prison sentence of up to three year for those who knowingly do not comply with laws, collective agreements and other acts on rights from work and on the basis of work and who, by doing so, deny or limit employees' rights that belong to them", the announcement states.