The topic of this meeting - General Strike and Solidarity with Education - opened space for honest, substantial and long-awaited dialogue. It was one of the very well-attended sessions recently, which clearly shows: people want conversation, connection and concrete answers to systemic injustices affecting all workers, especially the education sector.

From the beginning of the year until today - “Something to exchange”
After a brief introduction of all participants, the Forum began with the session “Something to exchange”, within which actors from different sectors shared experiences and struggles they have led since the beginning of this year. There was discussion about local initiatives, pressures, negotiations with authorities, as well as creative models of resistance and solidarity among sectors.

This segment was an excellent basis for moving on to the key topic - the general strike, its meaning, potential and obstacles.

The social framework is changing: corruption, repression, marginalisation of trade unions
There was a common assessment that the social context in Serbia is changing. Corruption, which has long become systemic, increasingly threatens people’s safety, and citizens recognise it as the biggest problem in Serbia today. Besides trade unions being increasingly negatively portrayed in public, so-called GONGO unions are appearing - organisations that nominally represent workers but actually work against their interests.

In such an environment, a general strike seems necessary but currently unrealistic. Forum participants agreed that a solidarity strike is more likely and functional - a step that can unite sectoral struggles and articulate common demands. The strike, as highlighted, must be appropriate to the real possibilities of workers in each company or institution individually - taking into account growing injustice, low wages, high taxes and a weak social protection system.

From general strike to civil disobedience?
The discussion also raised the question of language used. Many expressed the opinion that instead of the term “general strike”, one should talk about civil disobedience - a way of acting that recognises the limitations of the current political moment but does not give up on pressure. “Expectations have been raised, but a general strike is currently impossible. We must wisely use the energy that exists, improve cooperation and time our actions,” was one of the conclusions.

An important question was also posed: how do we produce political will for change? If we don’t have political power, can we create a critical mass that will generate it? Participants indicated that the business sector, the Employers’ Union and the Business Club would also have to be somehow involved in the process, as the fight for workers’ rights cannot be isolated from the overall economic system.

Students, law and 1^st May - key allies
A significant part of the discussion was also devoted to the role of students. The reminder of 14^th April 2000, when students demanded the unification of the opposition, was inspiring for many present. Students today play an important role, especially in the joint drafting of legal proposals with trade unions, which has already proven to be a successful mechanism.

Preparations for Labour Day - 1^st May were seen as an opportunity to send a joint strong message - not only about the status of education workers but about broader social dissatisfaction and the need for a more just society.

Coordination, funds and association
The Forum closed with a call for better coordination of trade unions, building funds for support in case of strikes, and forming mechanisms that allow the continuation of the struggle even in times when a strike is not possible. Also, the question of forming a Shadow Government was raised, as one of the models of political pressure.

The message from the Forum was clear: persistence, mutual trust and courage are needed to embark on complex processes of change. It was emphasised that it doesn’t matter what colour the cat is - what matters is that it catches mice. And the time for action is now.