Experts at Work: Price Increase to Save GRAS, Why the Union "Plays" to the Tune of the Authorities

By Amina Čorbo-Zećo

The fate of GRAS is still uncertain, and there is increasing talk of bankruptcy for this company responsible for public transport in Sarajevo Canton, writes the Patria News Agency.

Years of mismanagement in this company have also led to the appointment of a trustee, Haris Gušić, for KJKP GRAS. Prime Minister Elmedin Konaković announced him as the best choice and a man who could save GRAS. The resourceful Prime Minister, who likes to call himself a moral vertical and the savior of Sarajevo Canton, stated at the appointment that "neither Houdini nor Copperfield can help GRAS alone, but Gušić is the best choice."

The public expected this Master of Science with extensive experience to take steps that would contribute to the prosperity of this public company, steps that would signify a look into a brighter future, and the determination to criminally prosecute those before him... However, from a brighter future, we only got washed trams, presented as a small step for the public but a big one for GRAS.

Gušić was never a director, but he managed companies involved in transport and transport organization in Luxembourg, Dubai, and France... while awaiting new moves after the tram washing, we received a cold shower, and Gušić's brilliant proposal received the support of Konaković and the Government. We will have more expensive tickets, an obligation to buy a monthly ticket whether you use public transport or not!?

Konaković said that Gušić is probably not aware of GRAS's specifics, but that they are, and that they will help him make the right moves to reduce monthly losses. And they certainly helped him. Few people in the world have such ideas. Increase the price of the service, eliminate competition!

Now the public rightly asks, why couldn't Avdo Vatrić, who was dismissed from the position of GRAS general director, increase ticket prices? Does it perhaps hurt less when such a decision is announced by Gušić? Certainly not for Konaković, because Gušić is his choice, and now we are halfway to citizens paying for all the thievery of those who destroyed GRAS. Judicial bodies are silent, although they have plenty of work, but we have learned nothing different from them; for years, they have been silent about the criminal activities of those in power, and citizens remain silent while paying for the whims of squandered millions.

The union representatives are a separate story, and their role is becoming increasingly clear. They are also clearly working for the authorities, not for the workers and colleagues.

GRAS is on the verge of bankruptcy with an accumulated loss of 350 million KM, while its capital is around 120 million, and the Union is never quieter. It is also clear why this is the case, as individuals at the head of the GRAS Union enjoyed all the benefits of this public company and had privileges.

For years, there has been talk about the work of this company's Union and the findings of the Financial Police of the FBiH, which identified numerous illegal activities. Everyone is aware of this, from the KS Government to the FBiH Prosecutor's Office, and there are also reports in the KS Prosecutor's Office, but there are no final decisions from the prosecutors!

The Financial Police report was prepared back in 2015, and it analyzed the period from 2006 to 2014. The year 2013 emerged in the public eye, and an inspection carried out by the Financial Police of the Federal Ministry of Finance regarding the business operations of the Independent Union of KJKP GRAS Workers for 2013 stated that union members spent over 205,000 KM on various expenses, including 61,020 KM for a trip to the seaside.

Adnan Himzanija, president of the Communal Economy Union at GRAS, was paid various allowances, including for telephone bills. However, the prosecutor's offices took no action.

We have now also obtained a document in which Avdo Vatrić, former director of GRAS, revoked the "Decision of the Company's Management from July 13, 2015, approving fuel costs of 100 liters per month for the vehicle of the head of collections, Himzanija Adnan." The decision was revoked on March 23, 2017.

Therefore, for 21 months, Himzanija refueled his private car monthly until Vatrić revoked the decision!

Konaković remains silent about this! Workers are asking why? Some claim that Prime Minister Elmedin Konaković and Minister Mujo Fišo are Himzanija's biggest supporters in dismantling the company. We will soon find out what is hidden behind the scenes when the new GRAS debts come due.