Čengić: Employers will request amendments to the Contributions Law, the Government will propose measures to relieve the economy

(Patria) - A session of the Economic and Social Council was held today at the FBiH Government, and the conclusions were discussed by the President of the ESC, Safudin Čengić.

He stated that the session was constructive and that a new session is scheduled for next Monday (January 20) where the FBiH Government will present a set of measures through acts (decree, decision) that will relieve economic entities. He added that social partners accept the decision that the minimum wage will be 1000 KM.

"Such a decision has created a new burden for employers. The Government is aware that it is impossible to maintain existing wages if the lowest wage increases by 60 percent. Employers have requested to be exempted from paying a certain amount on that minimum wage, so that 700 KM would be taxable and 300 KM non-taxable. However, this cannot be done by decree or government decision. This must be an amendment to the Contributions Law, which clearly stipulates what contributions are paid on. As for other wages, the Government is prepared to provide a concrete proposal on how it will exempt employers on the difference in wages above 1000 KM," said Čengić.

He stated that at today's meeting, a clear stance was expressed that everyone must give something up, while at the same time, jobs must be preserved, the viability of some companies must not be jeopardized, and the position of workers must be improved.

"The Government must come up with its proposals and ensure they are implementable. We need to be realistic. There is no more talk about the minimum wage; the issue here is how to adopt a set of fiscal laws. We were told that a set of laws will be sent to the ESC in February. Even if the fiscal laws are adopted in March, they cannot be applied this year, but only from 01/01/2026. But it doesn't matter, let those laws be adopted, so that from 2026 we have everything defined by the Government. Employers will now request amendments to the legal solution from the Parliament in order to be somewhat relieved of their obligations," said Čengić.