SMATSA Union: Party-based management has plunged us into the worst crisis since our inception

The Serbia and Montenegro Air Traffic Services (SMATSA) union has announced that the company is facing its worst crisis since its establishment in 2003, driven, according to the union, by the prioritization of party-based interests over the public interest and ongoing repression of the profession and its workforce.

– Due to years of party-based management and politically driven staffing decisions, Air Traffic Control is, for the first time since its inception, unable to meet capacity demands. The consequences include a loss of air traffic volume, record delays, and financial losses amounting to at least four to five million euros – stated the union (SKL), which represents over 90% of air traffic controllers and aviation technical staff in Serbia.

The capacity issue, it was noted, did not arise overnight.

– Warnings regarding the shortage of air traffic controllers and other operational staff have been issued for four years. Despite this, the problem remains unresolved and will continue to strain air traffic and hinder the daily work of air traffic controllers at least until 2029 – the SKL assessed.

Following what the statement describes as a lawful and legitimate strike in 2025, the legitimate employee representatives - the union president and secretary - were dismissed. They have been barred from accessing union premises, and the union has been prevented from participating in collective bargaining.

The SKL pointed out that “simultaneous attempts were made to force the removal of the union leadership through pressure, while currently, there is no meaningful social dialogue whatsoever.” It is further noted that, due to this repression, a “criminal complaint was filed that has been sitting with the Higher Public Prosecutor’s Office (VJT) for months.”

– While air traffic controllers work under duress, facing an informal ban on striking or expressing any dissatisfaction, and under the threat of dismissal, the Air Traffic Control management continues to ignore real problems and prioritize party-related matters – the statement reads.

Instead of building capacity, as stated, a political purge of managerial and other staff is being carried out, while close relatives, retired family friends, and other party-affiliated individuals are simultaneously being hired.

– This is not how a system upon which the safe and orderly conduct of air traffic in Serbian airspace depends should function – the SKL assessed.

Kontrola letenja Srbije i Crne Gore SMATSA d.o.o. Beograd

Serbia and Montenegro Air Traffic Services

SMATSA

SMATSA union