The delegation of the Independent Union of Mine Workers of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, led by Sinan Husić, managed, after several hours of negotiations with the Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which occurred due to months of problems with the payment of salaries and unresolved retirement of workers, to agree on specific measures for the Zenica Mining and Metallurgical Plant. Based on this agreement, Zenica miners should soon receive their back wages for May and June, while 24 workers who have been waiting for retirement for months will finally be included in the procedure.
Husić explained that the payment of salaries for May will be realized by the end of the week, while the funds for June will be provided by the end of the month at the latest, in coordination with Elektroprivreda BiH and the relevant ministry. By August 15, the model for the retirement of the 22 miners who meet the conditions, plus two additional ones whose status has been determined in the meantime, will be specified.
The particularly sensitive case of nine miners from 2023, who were not retired due to mistakes by the mine management at the time, will be resolved by the RMU Zenica independently.
Director of Elektroprivreda BiH Sanel Buljubašić emphasized the key role of mines in the country’s energy stability.
“Today, realistically, we depend on mines. We need a minimum of one million tons of coal per year in order to maintain the system. This temporary solution allows miners to receive what they earned – salaries for May and June. The ministry, the union and everyone involved have made maximum efforts to stay within the law, while still achieving an acceptable result. I hope that such protests will no longer be necessary because everyone loses when such situations arise,” he said.
Buljubašić added that Elektroprivreda BiH will continue to work on strategic approaches, including financial solutions that involve borrowing from international partners, such as the World Bank.
“Transition will come – but in a fair way. When the time comes, the mines will be closed as planned, but until then we will not give up on supporting the workers,” he said.
