Out of 100 KM earned in wages, 41.4 KM goes to the state: May Day is celebrated by civil servants who have secured benefits

(Patria) - On the occasion of the International Labour Day on May 1st, the Independent Trade Union of Forestry, Wood Processing, and Paper of Bosnia and Herzegovina is leading the campaign "FAIR WAGES FOR A DIGNIFIED LIFE!".

The goal of the campaign is to highlight the poor working conditions and extremely low net wages, especially for workers in the real sector, and the need for an urgent amendment of the current regulations, which will enable a reduction of taxes and contributions in the Federation of BiH in favor of increasing the net wages of workers and enabling their further increase through collective agreements in the sectors.

The Union's demands presented in the campaign are supported by expert analyses and data, which indicate the difficult position of workers. Workers' wages in the sectors are still below the average wage in the Federation of BiH. Out of 100 KM earned in wages, 41.4 KM goes to the state.

International Labour Day, May 1st, is celebrated in solidarity with workers in the fight for better labor rights. Unfortunately, workers in Bosnia and Herzegovina have no reason to celebrate this year either, as for years they have been facing worse and more complex working and living conditions with each new May 1st, working for wages below any dignity.

We live in a time when acquired labor rights are being diminished every day, and the worker is completely degraded. Poor legal solutions and the passive attitude of the authorities result in mass emigration of working citizens. Only political programs of each passing government remain as a reminder of promises and care for workers, that changes were considered, but not acted upon. Workers live in hope and anticipation that each coming year will bring some positive change that will enable them a life worthy of a human being in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

This Union has continuously worked on increasing workers' wages through collective agreements in the past period, but the increased wages have been "eaten up" by inflation. Wages have increased nominally, but there has been no real growth in net wages.

We point out that workers in the real sector live on the margins. Although they create new values and fill budgets with their work, they are the least paid for their labor. Low wages, high cost of living, and the passive attitude of the authorities result in the daily emigration of the working population.

The campaign for increasing net wages and amending current tax laws began on April 30, 2024, and will continue until the demands are met.

This Union is conducting the campaign in cooperation with the Trade Union of Construction and Construction Materials Industry of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Instead of a May 1st greeting, we invite all workers to join our joint campaign for wage increases – "FAIR WAGES FOR A DIGNIFIED LIFE!".

And while the Trade Union of Commerce Workers of BiH and the Trade Union of Metalworkers of FBiH have announced protest gatherings for tomorrow, a congratulatory message has arrived from the President of the Independent Trade Union of Civil Servants and Employees of Sarajevo Canton, Elvis Zornić. They have reason to celebrate.

"We live in a time of great challenges for trade unions and labor rights. We are facing changes that require rapid adaptation. However, we must not forget that labor is the foundation of our society and that it leaves an indelible mark on all our lives.

Trade unions, like our Independent Trade Union of Civil Servants and Employees of Sarajevo Canton, play a crucial role in preserving the dignity of labor and fighting for workers' rights. Through negotiations and social dialogue, we have succeeded in preserving and improving numerous benefits and protections for civil servants and employees in Sarajevo Canton.

This is the result of the dedication and continuous efforts of our unions.

We tell everyone that there is no progress without work, and no work without workers. Therefore, we call on all workers to unite, to become part of trade unions, and to build a better tomorrow together. Only the united voice of workers can ensure a fairer future for all of us, because together we are stronger," Zornić stated.