On the same day the FBiH Government decided on a minimum wage of 619 KM, budget beneficiaries received 1,260 KM each

On the last working day of 2023, budget beneficiaries who receive their salaries from the FBiH Budget received 1,260 KM in aid each, according to the Decree adopted by the FBiH Government on December 18. This decision excludes elected officials and holders of executive positions.

Although the intention was, as claimed by the Government, to enable employers to pay workers 420 KM over a period of six months without any additional taxes, thereby "increasing the minimum wage to 1000 KM", it is clear that this plan has failed. Just as then, there are no employers now who boast of having paid aid to their employees. After all, without relief and reduction of current contributions and taxes, it is just an additional cost for employers.

It is interesting that the Government made the payment towards the end of 2023, calculating that it would go unnoticed.

This flawed decision by the FBiH Government was accompanied by a misunderstanding with the Trade Union of Civil Servants and Employees, whose leader Samie Kurtović had to call the media to correct his statement about the payment of the second installment.

Even Prime Minister Nikšić made a statement, saying it was a one-time aid.

“This is a decision that was published in the Official Gazette of the Federation of BiH. Based on this decision, all employees of administrative bodies and other organizations who receive salaries from the FBiH Budget will receive one-time aid in the amount of 1,260.00 KM. Therefore, it is clearly stated as one-time aid and the amount of aid in accordance with the Government's Decree,” the announcement on social networks read.

On the same day that budget beneficiaries "got rich", the FBiH Government made a decision on a minimum wage of 619 KM for 2024.

(A. Vrabac)