Coordination of Trade Unions Demands 20 Percent Wage Increase: Sarajevo Canton Has the Lowest Base Salary in FBiH, While Cost of Living is the Highest

(Patria) - The Independent Trade Union of Civil Servants and Employees in State Administration Bodies, Judiciary, and Public Institutions in the Federation of BiH, as well as the Coordination of Trade Unions of Sarajevo Canton, have addressed the Government of Sarajevo Canton with a request to open negotiations on the amount of the base salary for the calculation of wages for 2026.

The requests were submitted before the Government of Sarajevo Canton adopted the Draft Budget for 2026, with the aim of opening social dialogue in a timely manner and ensuring a fairer treatment of public sector employees through negotiations. However, despite multiple urgencies and calls, the Government of Sarajevo Canton has not shown readiness to open dialogue with the trade unions, nor to accept the justified demands of workers who bear the burden of public services functioning.

Since no invitation was extended to the trade unions to start negotiations even after the adoption of the Draft Budget, the Coordination of Trade Unions of Sarajevo Canton sent a request to the presidents of the political clubs in the Assembly of Sarajevo Canton to hold a thematic meeting with the aim of opening social dialogue and determining the base salary for the calculation of wages in 2026.

In this context, today, 10.11.2025, a meeting was held with MP Admela Hodžić in the Assembly of Sarajevo Canton, attended by Enes Šabić and Eldar Barukčija on behalf of the trade unions. At the meeting, trade union representatives pointed out a number of problems and expressed disappointment with the attitude of the Government of Sarajevo Canton towards the trade unions.

Trade union representatives emphasized that such an attitude from the Government shows disrespect for social partners and undervalues the role of trade unions in creating policies that directly affect public sector employees. It was highlighted that due to the constant rise in prices and cost of living (inflation), workers have been placed in an extremely unfavorable position, resulting in a brain drain and a decline in interest in employment in the public sector. This situation, ultimately, affects the citizens of Sarajevo Canton the most, whether it concerns public administration, education, police, or other segments of public services.

Trade union representatives also warned that the base salary for wage calculation in Sarajevo Canton is currently the lowest in the Federation of BiH, while the cost of living is simultaneously the highest. Young people who get employed in the public sector face almost impossible conditions for solving their housing issues, which further demotivates new staff.

MP Admela Hodžić emphasized that she fully understands the trade unions' demands and recognizes the need to improve the position of public sector workers. She stressed that, within her capabilities, she will support the workers and actively advocate for funds to be allocated in the Sarajevo Canton Budget for 2026, which would enable wage increases for public sector employees.

"Now that we have a situation where employers' obligations for contributions have been reduced by 5.5%, the inflation rate is around 5%, and from January 2026, the ponder, which particularly burdened Sarajevo Canton, can no longer be an excuse, trade unions are demanding a 20% wage increase, which would at least temporarily bring them closer to the federal level or other cantons that have had a significantly higher base salary throughout 2025 (some even up to 550 KM), while in Sarajevo Canton the current base salary is 400 KM with a coefficient of 1.1)," the Trade Union announced.

The Coordination of Trade Unions of Sarajevo Canton remains committed to defending workers' rights and establishing social dialogue as a fundamental mechanism for regulating relations between the Government and public sector employees. Trade unions expect an urgent reaction from the Assembly of Sarajevo Canton and the initiation of constructive talks that will result in a fairer and more dignified material position for employees.

Finally, the Trade Unions expect the urgent opening of negotiations regarding the base salary for wage calculation for 2026."