To shed light on discrimination in employment and labour relations, as well as other work-related issues from the perspective of our institution’s practice, Ombudswoman Tena Šimonović Einwalter delivered a lecture to students at the Faculty of Law, University of Zagreb, on 23 April 2024.
Given that the principles of equality and non-discrimination are at the heart of any human rights protection system, the Ombudswoman provided students with a brief overview of the prohibition of discrimination under the Croatian legal framework, while also explaining the role and powers of her institution as the central body tasked with combating discrimination. She focused in particular on discrimination in employment and labour relations, pointing out that, among all discrimination-related complaints received by the Office last year, more than one-third concerned precisely this area.
Through real-world examples, she illustrated the challenges citizens reported to the institution last year, including mobbing, unlawful dismissals, unpaid wages and overtime, violations of material rights, and discrimination based on age, health status, education, and trade union membership, as well as discriminatory job advertisements. She also explained the institution’s approach in addressing these cases. Finally, the Ombudswoman reflected on recent court rulings in discrimination cases over the past year.
She also gave students a brief overview of relevant chapters of the 2023 Ombudswoman’s Report—highlighting developments affecting labour rights, such as the amendments to the Labour Act, a recent Constitutional Court decision expanding material rights for trade union members involved in collective bargaining, and changes concerning employment in public and civil services. Part of the lecture was devoted to the situation of third-country nationals—often referred to as foreign workers—who, due to language barriers and unfamiliarity with their rights, often find themselves in a vulnerable position when trying to exercise those rights.
Following the two-hour lecture and discussion, the Ombudswoman praised the students’ interest and their willingness to engage with practical experiences, noting that such discussions are especially valuable in light of their legal education and future professional work.