The programme opened with a visit to ElevenEs, a local start-up developing and producing LFP battery cells. Aiming to expand to 2,000 workers in a couple of years, the company warmly welcomed the union delegation and underlined its commitment to European values, responsible production, and transparency.

Back at the workshop, discussion focused on occupational health and safety (OSH), working conditions, and the potential for engagement between the company and trade unions on an equal footing.

“OSH is clearly a priority at the site – but to ensure lasting protection, workers need a strong union voice,” noted one participant.

Participants mapped the current state of Serbia’s battery sector and developed concrete organising strategies. All three unions confirmed a coordinated, non-competitive approach to organising in battery-related industries.

While short-term growth in the sector remains uncertain, long-term expansion is expected – driven by strategic investments from Europe and beyond.

“This workshop shows the strength of union cooperation,” said Judith Kirton-Darling, General Secretary of industriAll Europe. “Strong unions from the start mean better working conditions, a competitive advantage for employers, and greater satisfaction for workers. Now is the time to organise battery related industries. We’re proud to stand with our Serbian affiliates to ensure workers are protected from day one.”

The Subotica workshop is the first in a series of national workshops to be held in the project countries – Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and Serbia – as part of a broader effort to strengthen union capacity for organising, collective bargaining, and social dialogue across Europe’s fast-developing battery sector.

IndustriAll Europe will continue to support its affiliates with tools, training, and coordination, to ensure workers have a strong voice in shaping the future of this strategic industry.

See the project Power 4 batteries