Workers of Prijedor's 'Nova Ljubija' to go on hunger strike

(Patria) - Workers of "Nova Ljubija" from Prijedor will begin a radical protest of refusing meals today, March 26, at 3 PM, because they are facing a serious existential crisis after the suspension of production, and also fearing that their earned salaries will not be paid.

Namely, as stated by the Trade Union Organization of the "Nova Ljubija" mine, the workers are in an extremely difficult existential situation, with serious indications that their earned salaries will not be paid because production in the Omarska mine has been halted due to the decision of the company's majority owner.

"Everyone is aware that this is the end of mining in the Prijedor region. Driven to the extreme, the workers, on their own initiative, have decided to start a protest by refusing meals, not as a choice, but as a last resort to draw attention to their situation," the Union states.

They add that their demand is clear and the only one: the urgent adoption of a social welfare program and the payment of severance pay, in order to prevent hundreds of workers and their families from being left without basic means of subsistence.

"It is estimated that between 6 and 7 million KM are needed to resolve this issue, an amount that represents the minimum social security for people who have worked and created value in this company for years," the Union said.

They emphasize that ignoring this situation means directly endangering the existence of a large number of families, as well as a serious risk to the health of workers who are forced into this form of protest.

"We call on the competent institutions to react urgently and responsibly. Any further delay could have unforeseeable consequences. Workers are not asking for privileges - they are asking for the basic right to a dignified life," the Union concludes.

"The workers' protest by refusing meals begins today, starting at 3 PM with the second shift, while workers from other brigades will join tonight around 8 PM in their organizational units," the Union said.

They add that a part of the workers from the Central Workshop will begin the protest at 3 PM within the company premises, and the other part will join around 8 PM.

"Workers will remain in protest at their workplaces until their demands are met," the Union concluded, as reported by Nezavisne novine.