DF Jablanica: Concrete Solutions for Granit Workers

In the premises of the municipal board of DF Jablanica, organized by the leadership of the municipal board, a press conference was held regarding the proposed concrete measures and solutions for the situation in which the workers of Granit d.d. in bankruptcy find themselves.

The press conference, attended by representatives of DF Jablanica and cantonal commissioner Branimir Jukić, was joined by Granit worker Aldin Zukić, as well as federal deputies of DF BiH and the Vice President of the Federation of BiH, Milan Dunović.

Deputies in the House of Representatives of the Parliament of the Federation of BiH, Alma Kratina, Mahir Mešalić, and Midhat Karović, emphasized institutional support through their own activities within the House of Representatives towards concrete steps and initiatives to resolve the situation of Granit workers.

Aldin Zukić, a Granit worker and DF candidate for the Jablanica Municipal Council, states that the lawsuits filed in court against former managements are a hindrance to the normal operation of Granit and the status of its workers.

Granit is thus prevented from operating competitively and officially participating in announced tenders. Because of this, the lives of 250 workers – breadwinners for their families – have been in uncertainty all these years.

Milan Dunović, Vice President of the Federation of BiH, initiated an assessment of the constitutionality of the Law on Bankruptcy Proceedings a year ago. The existing Law is unfair to workers, as it only addresses the issue of ownership of the company, not the fate of the workers.

Mahir Mešalić initiated a concrete initiative to amend the Law on Bankruptcy Proceedings, which would prioritize the resolution of workers' claims and rights from the bankruptcy estate.

Midhat Karović, also a Federal Deputy representing the Democratic Front of BiH, stated that at the next session, he will delegate the issue for the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council (HJPC) to provide complete information on the status of cases related to the privatization of Granit d.d. in bankruptcy in recent years.

Alma Kratina further emphasizes the support from the Democratic Front of BiH in the Parliament of the Federation of BiH.

The Democratic Front's candidate for the Mayor of Jablanica Municipality, mr.sc. Tenaid Zukić, presented the concrete solutions and steps of the Democratic Front in the period after the local elections.

The solutions and concrete measures to help the workers and Granit include paying taxes and contributions for 50 workers who have met the conditions for retirement, which were not paid in previous years, and unpaid wages.

Also, assistance to Granit to settle its current obligations, approximately KM 100,000, which are a prerequisite for Granit to be able to compete unhindered in public tenders and thus enable workers to earn their wages, rather than being offered charity.

Tenaid Zukić emphasizes that as mayor, together with the councilors of the Democratic Front, he will provide all legal assistance to the workers of Granit and to Granit itself in the fight for the status of the workers and the recovery of Granit.