December salaries late, Sarajevo Canton government risks mass strikes

By: A. Varatanović

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The ongoing crisis in Sarajevo Canton, with an attempt to remove the current Government of Sarajevo Canton since the end of 2019, has consequences for all employees whose salaries are paid from the Sarajevo Canton Budget. This concerns about 23,000 employees. Although today is January 8, the December transportation allowance has still not been paid, nor are preparations being made for the payment of December salaries, which are usually paid by the 10th of the month.

Although there should be no reason for the delay, as these are funds from last year's budget, no one is openly speaking about the resulting standstill. It has already been announced that January salaries will not be paid unless a decision on temporary financing for the period January-March 2020 is adopted.

If December salaries are not paid by January 10, a crisis in the form of a strike by employees could occur, about which there have already been certain announcements. Sarajevo Canton is entering a crisis that could have deep consequences for those leading Sarajevo Canton. It should be recalled that a strike by healthcare workers has been ongoing since September 2, and due to the non-payment of salaries on which employees and their families depend, employees in other sectors will also join the strike.

The political maneuvering of the old and new majority among the 35 representatives in the Sarajevo Canton Assembly, who behave like puppets of their leaders, will be paid for by employees and all citizens of Sarajevo Canton if strikes occur.

After today's session of the Sarajevo Canton Assembly was interrupted due to a lack of quorum from the old majority (NiP, Our Party, SDP BiH, NBL, Damir Nikšić, Damir Marjanović), and the new majority (SDA, SBB, DF, BOSS) also lacks a quorum to work, it became clear that Sarajevo Canton is a hostage of 35 people and their handlers.