Union of Communal Economy Warns the Government of Sarajevo Canton: Call for Talks and Problem Solving or Protests!

(Patria) - The Union of Communal Economy of Sarajevo Canton and leaders of public utility company unions today warned both the Government of Sarajevo Canton and the public that the communal economy is on the verge of collapse, and by the end of the year the water supply system will collapse.

As highlighted at the press conference, the alarming situation is caused by irresponsible management and systematic violation of workers' rights.

Rasim Ljucević, president of the Union of Workers of KJKP Vodovod i kanalizacija, said that the Government of Sarajevo Canton can no longer remain neutral. He spoke about working conditions at VIK, emphasizing that conditions are catastrophic and workers are under constant pressure and threats. He reminded that Samir Nuhbegović, a protected whistleblower of corruption, was fired.

Ljucević said he expects a denial of today's allegations but that they must talk about the problems.

"Workers are being spied on and recorded without authorization. They are called into the director's office, and phones are left with secretaries. A Stalinist and North Korean regime rules at KJKP Vodovod i kanalizacija. They monitor what people write on their Facebook pages, not to mention other intimidations, and through irregular systematization they reward their cronies," stated Ljucević.

Ljucević announced that they will send an invitation to the Prime Minister, ministers, and all directors of utility companies for a meeting, and if they do not respond, they will go to protests in front of the Government of Sarajevo Canton.

His colleague Mustafa Musić from KJKP Toplane pointed out the delay in negotiations regarding the implementation of collective agreements.

"When a political party 'gets' a company, they think it is their private matter and believe they should work in the interest of the parties, not the citizens and workers of the company," said Musić.

Hajrudin Nuhanović, president of the Union of Workers of KJKP Rad, said that the biggest problem is the lack of functional vehicles.

"Workers are not to blame for this, but slow public procurement. We will reach a situation where we will have no vehicles for work.
Service prices have been increased in other companies except in ours, and we will soon be unable to function.
We call on the Government of Sarajevo Canton, Prime Minister Nihad Uk, and Minister Mladen Pandurević to enable us to work and for citizens to have adequate service," said Nuhanović.