Serbia: Student List proposes a four-day workweek and changes to the pension system

A four-day workweek totaling 32 hours, with no reduction in pay, is among the main measures in a package presented by the Student List in Serbia to reform the labor market and strengthen social rights.

The program would allow employers to adopt this model only if they choose to do so. The Student List also proposes limiting fixed-term contracts to 12 months, strengthening protection against unfair dismissal, and increasing compensation for work on public holidays, Sundays, at night and outside regular hours.

The proposals on parental rights include maternity leave regardless of contract type, as well as three months of leave for fathers after the birth of a child. For the first 30 days of sick leave, the package calls for compensation of at least 75% of pay.

Employees would also have the right not to respond to work requests after official working hours. The package also includes protections for digital platform workers and reform of the pension system.

For pensions, the Student List proposes adjustments twice a year and greater support for low-income pensioners. It also calls for a social pension for people over 65 who do not receive a contributory pension.

These measures remain part of the Student List’s political program, not approved legal changes. Implementing them would require changes to Serbian legislation.