If Sirotanović were alive, he would do everything for a better tomorrow for miners

Today is celebrated as World Miners' Day. It is celebrated in memory of miners who lost their lives in the struggle for their workers' rights in conflicts with the authorities in their countries.

The most famous Bosnian miner was Alija Sirotanović, a shock worker and hero of socialist labor. On July 24, 1949, with his eight comrades, he broke the world record for coal mining in eight hours. They excavated 253 wheelbarrows or 152 tons of coal. The memory of Alija Sirotanović is preserved today by his cousin Arif Sirotanović.

- Alija identified with the miners. He would share opinions with them and give them strength. He encouraged them and did everything to make them happier. If he were alive today, he would do everything for a better tomorrow for miners – says Sirotanović.

Although Arif is not a miner, his father and uncles were, and he is also in daily contact with the miners of the "Breza" brown coal mine today. He says that despite the unusual conditions in which they work, the situation has improved since the mines became part of the concern of JP Elektroprivreda BiH.

- A miner is a miner's greatest friend; they save each other's lives. No matter how difficult the job is, miners find their bread sweet. They are always cheerful, they joke; the life of a miner boils down to camaraderie, no matter how hard it is – emphasizes Sirotanović.

The memory of Alija Sirotanović lives on among all miners and residents of Breza, where a street bears his name, and his bust stands in the "Breza" RMU premises.