Salary increase for police officers in USK agreed, funds unavailable until budget adoption

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - Members of the Una-Sana Canton (USK) Police Union have confirmed that an increase in the base salary for all police officers has been agreed upon, meaning the signing of an Agreement based on the Collective Agreement with the cantonal government, which guarantees a base salary of 315 KM.

We believe our request to the USK Government was completely justified, considering the rise in prices and cost of living. Also, we must take into account the increased scope of work, as well as significantly higher earnings of our colleagues in some other cantons. We found understanding with Prime Minister Ružnić and Minister Kljajić, so today an increase in the base salary for all police officers by about 5.1 percent was agreed upon – said the president of the USK Police Union, Mahmut Alagić.

He added that the Agreement will most likely be signed in the next two days, and that in that case, the union organization will withdraw its announced protest gathering on Wednesday, January 19.

The Minister of Internal Affairs of the Una-Sana Canton, Nermin Kljajić, emphasized that the implementation of the provisions of this agreement can only begin after the adoption of this year's budget.

– Funds for the increase, or rather the equalization of the base salary for all budget users, are foreseen in this year's Draft Budget of USK for 2022. We can, of course, apply this from the moment the cantonal assembly votes and adopts it – stated Minister Kljajić.

The assembly session at which this year's Draft Budget will be considered is scheduled for Wednesday, January 19.