When miners in seven mines could resume production

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - Even on the second day since the withdrawal of miners from seven mines of the JP EP BiH Concern, who protested in front of the FBiH Government for two days, there is no information on whether the miners and mines will resume coal production. Hundreds of miners began their protest on Tuesday, and spent one night in front of the Federal Government building. They refused any negotiations on their demands, and on Wednesday at 3 PM, they decided to withdraw and not further endanger their health. They announced that they are returning to the mines, but that there will be worker disobedience and that production will not resume until their demands are met.  

EP BiH announced on Wednesday, after the miners withdrew, that they are ready to continue discussions with the unions to find a solution, but also warned that they have coal reserves for about ten days. Possible electricity reductions in Tuzla and Lukavac have already been announced. 

In the worst-case scenario, EP BiH would be forced to buy electricity at higher prices, which would cause operational problems for this public company. That money would be better directed towards the miners.

The miners presented eight demands to the FBiH Government, the relevant minister Nermin Džindić, and EP BiH, and one of the main reasons for the miners taking to the streets was the announced salary reduction.

EP BiH tried to explain that production workers would not experience a reduction, but rather that the method of salary calculation is changing, and that some miners with more years of service would have higher salaries than now. The emphasis of the salary reduction is on administrative staff, i.e., non-production workers. 

No one can say with certainty at this moment when the miners will resume production, but discussions are underway with both the unions and the miners to try to find a solution and to start the production process.