Mirsad Kukić threatens EP BiH through trade unions, will RMU Banovići also halt coal production?

SARAJevo, (Patria) - The trade union organization of RMU „Banovići“, headed by Mirsad Kukić, who was convicted in the first instance for the criminal offense of receiving a reward or other form of benefit for influence peddling related to employment in JP Elektroprivreda, has provided support to the miners of seven mines in the JP Elektroprivreda BiH Concern.

However, Kukić did not stop there, as in a letter sent to the FBiH Government, Minister Nermin Džindić (SBB), Director of EP BiH Admir Andelija, trade unions of all seven mines, as well as other mine worker trade unions, he also threatened to halt coal production. 

Thus, Kukić, who, using his influence as the then-vice president of SDA, sought employment in JP Elektroprivreda – Elektrodistribucija Branch, whose then-director was Esed Džananović, who is currently on trial, is now threatening to reduce or stop the supply of coal to the Tuzla and Kakanj thermal power plants, which could lead to reductions in electricity supply. 

„We demand that we jointly put pressure on our current Management of RMU Banovići to urgently write a letter to EP BiH, setting a clear deadline of 24 hours to fulfill all miners' demands, to enable the miners to return to work, ensure the continuation of production and other negotiations to be conducted in dialogue with mutual understanding and respect. That we all join the workers' disobedience. And in case EP does not fulfill the above, we will jointly put pressure on the Management of RMU Banovići, which, due to our joint pressure, would have to act. This request is a sincere intention of solidarity with colleagues miners of the Concern, but also due to its position and the now uncertain future of RMU Banovići in the monopolistic actions of EP towards all mines. The Management will have to make a decision under pressure and reduce or suspend the supply of coal to TE Tuzla and Kakanj. The existing energy crisis will disrupt all of this and definitely severely damage the independence of the energy sector and thus the independence of the state (sovereignty)“, states the letter signed by Kukić.

Incidentally, although the FBiH Government is the majority owner of RMU Banovići, Kukić has completely privatized this mine for years and has not allowed it to join the Elektroprivreda BiH Concern.

After entering power in the Tuzla Canton in January this year, together with SDP, SBB, Naša stranka, Kukić is trying to regain control of the Banovići mine through his PDA party.

The question is how Kukić, as someone convicted of abuse of office for seeking illegal employment in EP BiH, can be a credible partner to anyone, especially to parties advocating for the fight against corruption.