Metalworkers' Union of FBiH: While politicians measure ratings and employers measure business results, workers' purchasing power is shrinking

(Patria) - While politicians measure ratings and employers measure business results, workers in the metal sector carry the economy of this country on their backs. They work, produce, export, feed thousands of families, but they still cannot live with dignity on their salaries.

This was announced by the Metalworkers' Union of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina on the occasion of Metalworkers' Day - November 15th, warning that without workers, there is no industry, no development, no future.

"The metal sector is the backbone of the economy of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, a key generator of exports, and a source of funding for budget and extra-budgetary funds. However, the real effects of this contribution are poorly felt in the pockets of a large number of workers.

Salaries are not keeping pace with inflation, especially in the private sector, living costs are rising month by month, and workers' purchasing power is shrinking.

Through long and difficult negotiations with the Employers' Association, the Metalworkers' Union of the Federation of BiH has managed to conclude a new branch collective agreement, which, among other things, has brought an increase in the minimum wage.

The struggle is still ongoing, because as long as a worker cannot feed their family on their salary, as long as they fear sick leave, as long as they don't know if their employment contract will be extended - we cannot talk about dignity and a just society.

Today we see that the forecasts of 'economic collapse' due to the increase in the minimum wage in 2025, after years of stagnation, were mere manipulations. What truly threatens this country is not the rise in wages, but the departure of people. BiH is losing population faster than any other country in the world.

Therefore, we are sending a message that the new Labor Law must correct the mistakes of the current law, which has disenfranchised workers and destroyed the fragile balance between employers and employees - above all, it must prevent the abuse of fixed-term contracts and restore dignity to workers.

We demand that the decision on the minimum wage for 2026 bring a significant increase in wages, based on real indicators of the rise in living costs.

A worker is not a cost; without a satisfied worker, there can be no successful employer, nor a prosperous society.

We extend our sincerest congratulations to all workers in the metal sector on Metalworkers' Day. The foundations of this country have been laid with Your sweat," the statement from the Metalworkers' Union of FBiH reads.