Union Organizes Warning Strike on May 26: Political Battles Raging Over Skenderija Again

(Patria) - The Trade Union of KJP Centar Skenderija Sarajevo has scheduled a warning strike for May 26, to be held from 10 AM to 12 PM, due to the new situation involving the sealing of facilities and the cancellation of all events, following the collapse of a part of the Skenderija Center's attic. The Union also warns of the endangerment of workers' livelihoods, especially after the Municipal Inspection's announcement about the closure of approximately 400 garage parking spaces within the Skenderija Center.

"Following the recent decision and attempt to close the eastern part of the parking lot, the new actions by the inspection represent an additional blow to Skenderija's business, which has been struggling for survival for years.

If they are so diligent in immediately proceeding to seal Skenderija's parking spaces, we ask why they did not show the same promptness towards the commercial facilities on the plateau, which, according to earlier decisions and rulings, should have been removed a year ago? Why do some pass without consequences, while a demonstration of force is carried out against Skenderija?", the Union asks.

Workers believe there are obvious double standards at play and that institutions, instead of solving real problems, are "taking it out on Skenderija," endangering dozens of families who depend on work in this public company.

The Union reminds that workers today are not fighting because of unpaid salaries or the Management's poor treatment of employee rights, as was the case in some earlier periods, but for the survival of the company itself.

"A drama is happening again in the lives of Skenderija's workers, a drama they have lived through before, and which we hoped would never happen again. The cause of this drama is not unpaid salaries, but the threat to the company's survival and the ignorant and stepmotherly attitude of our Company's owners."

They particularly emphasize that workers, through spontaneous gatherings in recent days, wanted to send a clear message that behind Skenderija are people and families whose existence depends on its survival.

"These are not political games. This is a fight for jobs and human dignity. Political battles are being waged over Skenderija again, following a familiar scenario, and the workers are the ones bearing the consequences and are collateral damage. The Union continues to try to protect the Skenderija Center from further collapse and blockades that could have unforeseeable consequences for its business.

Skenderija's workers have defended their company many times before, and if necessary, they will defend it again. We will not allow the symbol of Sarajevo and the livelihoods of people who honestly live from their work to be destroyed," the Union states.

Support for the workers was also provided by STBiH, which states that, as before, they will stand with Skenderija's workers "in the hope that together we will once again defend this company and these people's right to live from their work."

The Union emphasizes that it will use all available means of union struggle to defend the livelihoods of its employees and to protect the Skenderija Center.

The warning strike will be held once a week, and among the demands are the urgent removal of the attic that threatens safety, an increase in co-financing from the Ministry of Economy, the removal of shops from the plateau, and the urgent renovation of parts for which reconstruction conditions exist.