Miners joined by family members, refuse to enter negotiations

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - Miners from seven mines of JP Elektroprivreda BiH Kakanj are protesting in front of the BiH FBiH Government building in Sarajevo for two hours. They refuse invitations for talks and entry of any representative into the BiH FBiH Government building. 

They state that they will remain in front of the Government until their demands are met, and family members will join the protests. 

The miners have eight demands that have been sent to all addresses. Primarily, the demands include linking of service seniority, control of coal calorific value in thermal power plants, full realization of the May agreement, and full respect for the collective agreement. Further demands include the dismissal of the General Director of Elektroprivreda and all directors who approved these regulations, and the establishment of a minimum wage of 1,000 marks. 

Police forces are deployed in front of and around the Government building, and the miners are "armed" only with dissatisfaction, mining helmets and suits, and banners. 

The relevant minister, Nermin Džindić (SBB), attempted to address the miners. He came out surrounded by special forces, and after the miners turned their backs on him, booed him, and told him to resign, he returned to the BiH FBiH Government building. 

The miners are also demanding the resignation of the General Director of EP BiH, Admir Andelija. 

They state that they cannot agree to a salary reduction, especially since there is no coal or electricity without them.