Sarajevotekstil workers without salaries and unregistered pension contributions

Workers of Sarajevotekstil gathered this morning in Ferhadija in front of one of the stores due to unpaid salaries for three months and unpaid contributions for 17 months, writes the Bosnian news agency Patria.

The workers, organized by the Union of Trade and Service Workers (ST) of Bosnia and Herzegovina, gathered hoping that a meeting of the Supervisory Board would be held, which would also include members of the union committee. However, the meeting has still not taken place.

The dispute between the two majority owners is the reason for the blockade of the entire company and the freezing of accounts, which is also the reason why goods cannot be procured.

- The situation is bad, we have no working capital, we haven't received salaries for three months, nor contributions for 17 months. A meeting of the owners was supposed to take place, but they did not show up even though they know about the protests. Protests have already been held, but nothing has been done. If the situation continues, we have announced a strike, because the workers are demanding their rights - said one of the Sarajevotekstil workers.

Sarajevotekstil has existed for 65 years, workers cannot exercise their rights. Only goods on the shelves can secure jobs and salaries.

- The workers are united in their intentions, an initiative for a general strike has been launched. A general strike is not a solution because practically empty stores are being closed - said Mersiha Beširević, president of the Union of Trade Workers of Bosnia and Herzegovina.