The Association of free and independent trade unions (AFITU) is an open and democratic organization supporting association of workers and mutual action. It is not dependent on the state and government, employers, political parties, and is religiously neutral.

          AFITU is a trade union organization with its central office in Belgrade. It was established on July 2nd, 1996. on the initiative of discontented workers from numerous enterprises throughout Serbia. Those workers were convinced that local unions had no basic elements of a democratic labour organization and believed that the establishment of this new union organization could effectively protect their basic human, social, workers’ and union rights.  

          AFITU is the youngest union that has emerged in the most difficult times for Serbia. That was the time of the dictatorship regime of Slobodan Milosevic, international sanctions, economic collapse, etc…

          AFITU is a union whose aim is to defend union and workers’ rights and freedoms as well as to increase awareness of their violations. Therefore, AFITU uses every opportunity to request normal work conditions from employers and management.

          AFITU is based on the principles of democracy, responsibility and solidarity. In the union bodies, one third of the members are women.

          AFITU is organized at a branch and regional level. Right now, it has more than 200,000 members, 1,182 company unions, 20 branch unions and 9 regional boards.

          The supreme body of AFITU is the Congress which takes place every fourth year. The Union bodies between two Congresses are: Leading Committee, Presidency, Supervisory Committee, Statutory Committee.  

          The President of the AFITU is Mrs. Ranka Savic, the first woman at the head of a union organization in Serbia, and one of the very few in Europe as well.          

          AFITU stands and fights for:

an open, democratic society and legal state;

developed economies;

quality and just social programs;

equal work opportunities for both women and men;

full employment;

decent work and wages which provide normal life for all employees and their families;

regular wages and pensions payment;

safety and good health conditions at work;

development of social dialogue;

special protection of women, the young and the elderly;

freedom of association

Video