Employers demand authorities urgently allow economic entities to resume operations

SARAJevo, (Patria) - The Association of Employers of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina is demanding that competent authorities and institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the FBiH make appropriate decisions without delay in order to resume operations of economic entities as soon as possible, while respecting all health and safety standards aimed at protecting the lives and health of citizens and company employees. The UPFBiH primarily has in mind the quickest possible resumption of operations for companies providing city and intercity transport services, restaurants, accommodation facilities, and other companies that were banned or significantly restricted during the state of natural disaster caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

"We demand that the competent authorities urgently enable the normalization of work processes in companies by making appropriate decisions. At this moment, when it is certain that we have good results in the fight against the coronavirus, it is necessary to continue the work of companies and try to save the economy from more severe consequences and impending collapse. Of course, preserving the lives and health of workers remains our priority, but it is high time we also think about their existence, preserving jobs and the economy," emphasize the UPFBiH.

They remind that most companies in BiH have felt the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic and, with insufficient and poor-quality incentive measures from competent institutions, were forced to significantly reduce their activities, which led to reduced salaries, paid direct and indirect taxes, and often to the dismissal of some workers and job losses. In order to prevent a total economic collapse and preserve jobs, it is necessary to adopt measures that will allow companies to continue their economic activities, while respecting all prescribed protection measures against the coronavirus.

The resumption of economic activities will at least partially stop the negative economic trends that we are all witnessing in terms of preserving jobs, paying salaries, direct and indirect taxes, which will ultimately help competent institutions secure funds for the unimpeded functioning of the budget and extra-budgetary funds.

They remind that in most countries where the coronavirus pandemic has caused greater problems than in Bosnia and Herzegovina, measures are being gradually relaxed, especially in the economic sector, and the UPFBiH believes that our country should follow such examples.