Civil servants threaten KS Government: If you don't pay holiday pay by the end of the month, we will start protests and strikes

(Patria) - The Independent Union of Civil Servants and Employees of KS sent a letter to the KS Government regarding its decision on paying holiday pay for judicial office holders, and expressed dissatisfaction due to evident discrimination among workers paid from the KS budget.

In a letter to KS Prime Minister Nihad Uk, Minister of Justice and Administration Darja Softić Kadenić, and Minister of Finance Afan Kalamujić, they state that they are writing on behalf of all civil servants and employees of KS, and remind that the KS Government previously paid holiday pay to healthcare workers, and has now decided to pay holiday pay only to judicial office holders.

"We understand that funds from a special budget, specifically the KS Health Insurance Fund budget, which we all contribute to, are used for healthcare workers, and that legal provisions stipulating the payment of a net bonus for annual leave with the June salary, regardless of when the annual leave is taken, are considered for judicial office holders, but we also ask you what about our rights?"

We want to remind you that the Government of Sarajevo Canton, with a record budget, has been late in fulfilling its obligations for months. This includes paying bills, invoices for services rendered, and paying compensations. Such behavior creates a negative atmosphere among workers and leads to a loss of trust in institutions," the Union points out.

They remind that holiday pay is a right of every employee stipulated by the Labor Law, the Law on Salaries and Benefits, as well as the Collective Agreement.

"For years, holiday pay has practically been paid before or during the annual leave, usually in the 6th, 7th, or 8th month, so that workers have funds to cover expenses during their leave. This right is crucial for all workers and allows them to enjoy their vacation without additional financial burden, and by failing to fulfill your obligations, you have deprived many of this enjoyment.

Due to all of the above, we inform you that if you do not pay holiday pay to all civil servants and employees, as well as other workers paid from the KS budget, by the end of August, we will initiate protests and strikes," the Union stated, adding that they expect the KS Government to understand the seriousness of the situation and not allow further worker disobedience by paying the holiday pay by the end of the current month.