Unionists oppose: It is shameful and immoral for Komšić to have a salary of 3,150 KM

Trade union organisations of the City of Sarajevo bodies oppose the adoption of the Decision on salaries and compensations in the City of Sarajevo bodies, which will be discussed at today's session of the City Council of the City of Sarajevo, reports the Patria news agency. 

In a letter sent on 19 February to the Secretary of the City Council, the Administrative Commission, and city councillors, among others, the signatories Džemal Krupalija, Enisa Lingo, Ozana Lučić, Adisa Baždar, Edin Dedić, Hajrija Hadžibegić, and Tatjana Derajić stated that the argument that this decision aligns with federal legal regulations is merely a cover for the shameful and immoral increase in salaries for officials of the City of Sarajevo. 

- Considering the financial situation the City is in, this action shows not even the slightest social sensitivity towards the majority of employees of the City of Sarajevo bodies. Therefore, the Trade Union Organisation will be forced to inform the public about this situation, as well as to use legal means to protect the rights of employees, the unionists' letter states. 

According to the Decision proposed by Mayor Ivo Komšić, he, as the first man of the City of Sarajevo, would have a salary of 3,150 KM instead of the current 1,890 KM, which is an increase of as much as 1,260 KM. 

His deputies Aljoša Čampara and Ranko Čović would receive 2,967 KM monthly under the new decision, whereas their salary was previously 1,680 KM. 

The President of the City Council and deputies Suljo Agić, Miro Lazović, and Gradimir Gojer (along with council allowances in municipalities and the City) would have a salary of 2,790 KM instead of the current 1,365 KM. The Ombudsman and advisors would also see increased monthly earnings, receiving salaries of 2,268 KM and 1,795 KM respectively, instead of the current 1,417 KM and 1,155 KM. 

The Secretaries of the City Administration  and the City Council, Elvir Hadžiahmetović and Safet Krajišnik, would have salaries of 2,047 KM under the new decision, instead of the current 1,612 KM. 

This increase is justified by the reduction of the coefficient for salary calculation, which, in accordance with federal law, must not exceed 10. The coefficient has been reduced, but the base has been increased from the current 105 to 315 KM. 

Given that the SDA and SDP hold the majority in the City Council, it is expected that this decision, which they have been trying to put on the agenda for two years, will pass. However, a reversal could possibly be brought about by pressure from the unionists, who are determined to protect their rights.