Labor disputes arise over maritime laws in Montenegro and strike legality in Croatia

In Montenegro, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs has responded to a legal challenge by the Independent Union of Maritime Seafarers and Transport Workers. The union has petitioned the Constitutional Court to review the constitutionality of certain provisions in the Maritime Safety Act, specifically regarding annual leave and maximum embarkation periods. The union argues that current laws allow seafarers to waive their right to leave, which they claim violates the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006 and the Constitution of Montenegro.

Simultaneously, in Croatia, the Zagreb County Court has commenced hearings regarding the legality of a strike involving ZET and the Holding company. Zagrebački holding has filed a lawsuit against three unions, seeking a ban on the strike and temporary measures to prevent damage to public health and critical infrastructure. The dispute centers on whether the obligation to maintain social peace persists after the expiration of a collective agreement.