Union: Workers must not choose between minimum wage and loss of health insurance

(Patria) - The Coordination of Free Trade Unions of Bosnia and Herzegovina announced today that the announcements of new legal solutions raise a serious question - whether a system is being introduced in Bosnia and Herzegovina in which workers must accept a minimum wage of 1,027 BAM or risk losing the basic right to healthcare?

The Coordination expressed serious concern regarding the announcement of the adoption of the Law on Mediation in Employment and Social Security of Unemployed Persons, as well as amendments to the Law on Employment of Foreigners, as these are solutions that could have far-reaching consequences for the position of domestic workers and unemployed citizens.

They emphasize that, instead of creating conditions in which domestic workers will stay in the country and those who have left will consider returning, the authorities are opting for short-term solutions that do not address the fundamental problems of the labor market, low wages, insecure contracts, and poor working conditions.

- Additional concern is raised by announcements that the so-called 'activity' or 'passivity' of the workforce will be assessed. The question arises as to who will decide and based on what criteria whether someone is sufficiently 'active' in seeking employment, and what consequences such an assessment will have for unemployed citizens. Does this mean that people will be forced to accept any job offered to them, regardless of the salary and working conditions, under threat of losing health insurance if they refuse such an offer? Are citizens expected to accept work for a minimum wage of 1,027 BAM, even though it is clear to everyone that one cannot live with dignity on that amount - ask the Coordination.

They add that a minimum wage that does not enable a normal life cannot and must not be an instrument of pressure on workers and unemployed citizens, and if the authorities truly want people to accept offered jobs, the solution is simple - increase the minimum wage to a level that enables a dignified life, so the unemployed will have no reason to refuse work.

- At the same time, the question arises as to what message such a policy sends to employers and the labor market?! Does this mean that employers will be able to offer a salary of 1,027 BAM to everyone, from unskilled workers to highly educated personnel? Should we expect engineers, doctors, professors, and other experts to work for the minimum wage just because such a job has been formally offered to them - point out from the Coordination.

They emphasize that such an approach does not lead to the development of society or the strengthening of the economy, but on the contrary, it further encourages the departure of qualified labor from Bosnia and Herzegovina and deepens social insecurity among workers.

- The Coordination of Free Trade Unions of Bosnia and Herzegovina warns that labor market problems cannot be solved by putting pressure on workers or by depriving them of basic rights, such as health insurance. Instead, it is necessary to open a serious social dialogue and adopt measures that will ensure dignified wages, secure jobs, and fair working conditions - stated in the Coordination's announcement.