BHRT’s accounts have been blocked since August 21, and the payment of salaries to employees has been questioned. While the program of the Public Broadcasting Service continues, support is coming from trade union organizations throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina, which warn that the consequences of a possible shutdown would not be borne only by BHRT employees.
The union says that workers must not become victims of problems they did not cause. The program is still broadcast, journalists and other employees are doing their jobs, but behind the screen are blocked accounts and the uncertainty of people who support their families from their salaries.
Božo Marić from the Trade Union of the Administration of Republika Srpska believes that non-payment of salaries is unacceptable.
“Regarding non-payment of wages, from the point of view of a trade unionist and a man who lives that life, I think it is absolutely inappropriate and inadmissible. People who diligently perform their work must receive a salary every day, because they live on that salary, feed their families and ensure the existence of a wider circle of people. I think it is high time for politicians to sit down, find a common language and a solution,” said Marić.
The Union of Metalworkers of the Zenica-Doboj Canton warns that the BHRT problem goes beyond the issue of salary payments. Kenan Mujkanović believes that the public service has become a victim of a system that, he says, should be working to solve its problems.
“I believe BHRT is a victim of the system – a paradox, given that the system itself ought to be addressing and resolving problems, yet it has become the problem. In fact, the system rejects anything bearing the ‘Bosnia and Herzegovina’ prefix in its name, and in that regard, BHRT is no exception,” said Mujkanović.
Mersiha Beširović, from the Trade Workers’ Union, also highlights the importance of BHRT for workers and unions. She points out that the public broadcaster has enabled workers to bring their issues to the public eye, free from the influence of capital, lobbies, or politics.
Ivica Anić, from the Independent Union of Employees of the University Clinical Hospital Mostar, also voiced his support for the staff, warning of the broader consequences should the broadcaster shut down.
“Shutting down BHRT would mean the loss of a large number of jobs and a direct blow to workers’ and trade union rights. However, the consequences would be far-reaching; the state would lose a vital public service and an institution of great importance to its citizens and society as a whole,” Anić stated.
The Confederation of Independent Trade Unions of BiH also declared that it would not allow BHRT to be shut down. Samir Kurtović believes such a move would cause immense damage to all of Bosnia and Herzegovina and calls for an end to the blockade.
While union support can boost employee morale, it cannot unblock accounts, ensure salary payments, or secure the future of the public broadcaster. As noted in the report, concrete decisions and solutions from the competent institutions are required for that.
