Round Table for setting-up a new Federation for temporary work agencies in Macedonia

From February 27–29, 2008 Jean-Marie Standaert chaired a Round Table held for temporary work agencies in Macedonia. The aim of this meeting –organized by the CERM Confedera-tion of Employers of the Republic of Macedonia- was to introduce the importance of OSH regulations in the field of temporary work and to set up a new and independent Federation of Temporary Work Agencies.

The Republic of Macedonia is one of the few countries of South-Eastern Europe which has adopted (some 2 years ago) a specific law on Temporary Work, based on European norms. Recently, a law on OSH (Organizational Safety & Health) has been adopted, also based on European Directives.

The Round Table was attended by about 26 representatives of temporary work agencies, trade unions and media. After the opening speech of Mr. Boskov, president of CERM, a presenta-tion was held by a Belgian expert on OSH, Mr. Hendrik De Lange, director of Pi (Prevention & interim). Pi was founded some 10 years ago by the Belgian Federation of Temporary Work Agencies. Mr. De Lange outlined the importance of reducing the high number of accidents and injuries amongst temporary workers, giving examples of the activities his own foundation has carried out.

The presentation served as a good introduction for the discussion which then took place between the participants; in the end leading to the overall decision a Federation would be founded.

A few days later, the largest private temporary work agencies founded a new independant employers' organisation for temporary work and elected Mr. Rade Nenadic as president. After registration, the new organisation will join the CERM and EuroCIETT.