The concept of labor relationship in the basic law on labor relations of 1965 and its influence in practice and theory

The subject-matter of this article is the development of labor relations in Yugoslavia in the period since the enactment of the Basic Law on Labor Relations (1965), including its application and influence. This period and that Law are significant since this was the time of coming to expression of the conception of labor relations which was subsequently realized in the Law on Associated Labor (1976). According to it, the workers enters into mutual labor relationships within the basic organization - the relations in the sphere of associated labor. Treated here are so-called negating theory of labor relationship, as well as corresponding challenges. While pointing at arguments in favor of the negating theory and especially ones putting into effect that theory, the author emphasizes theoretical standpoint of professor Baltic, namely: mutual labor relationships presuppose a preliminary connection, which means also establishing a labor relationship. The author points out to the fact that so-called negating conception of labor relationship became dominant and resulted, thorough several variants, to the conception of labor relationships as mutual relations of workers, which found its expression in the Law on Associated Labor (1976). The author also emphasizes that this Law and the associated labor became a form for all labor relations, including the ones in the sphere of work with privately owned means of citizens (individuals). This situation lasted until the enactment of the Law on Basic Rights in the Sphere of Labor Relations. In spite of obvious failures and weaknesses of the conception of associated labor, it is necessary today to take into consideration earlier criticism of that conception, including shortcomings in practice and corresponding negative results.