SIPA Union Demands Imamović, Omerović, and Kojović Withdraw Amendments to Police Officers Act Due to Omissions

(Patria) - The Trade Union of the State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA) pointed out serious omissions and risks associated with the new Bill on Amendments and Supplements to the Law on Police Officers of BiH, which provides for the possibility of extending the employment of police officers who have completed 40 years of service until they reach the age of 65.

The proposed legal solution, as highlighted by the Trade Union, gives broad discretionary power to managers to approve the extension of employment under the guise of 'agency needs', without clearly defined and objective criteria.

Such an approach, they add in today's statement, opens up the possibility of subjectivity, favoritism, and unequal treatment of police officers, which is not in line with the principles of professionalism and transparency.

"In practice, it is reasonably expected that the possibility of extending working life will most often be used by managers and holders of high ranks, while police officers performing the most demanding field and operational tasks will have a harder time accessing such an opportunity.

This creates an additional imbalance in the system and deepens the existing dissatisfaction among police personnel. The set age limit of 65 years supports this, raising the logical question - can a 65-year-old police officer effectively perform field duties?" asked the SIPA Trade Union.

By extending the employment of older and managerial staff, they further warn, the natural process of advancement is slowed down or completely halted. Younger police officers, who have been waiting for career development opportunities for years, are once again left without a chance for advancement, leading to demotivation and an increased departure to other agencies, or leaving the police service altogether.

"Although the explanation of the Bill emphasizes a dramatic shortage of staff in executive and field positions, the text of the law itself does not provide any measures that would prioritize the protection of these very officers. This does not address the most urgent operational challenge facing police agencies," the Trade Union states.

They also point out that during the drafting of the Bill, police officer trade unions were not consulted, although this is a legal obligation. This violates the provisions of the Labor Law (Article 94) and the Collective Agreement (Articles 6 and 7), which clearly stipulate that trade unions must be involved in all processes affecting the rights and status of employees.

"In relation to all of the above, we ask the proposers, Messrs. Imamović, Omerović, and Kojović, to withdraw the proposed amendments to the Law and to consult with the trade unions, and thereafter decide on their further activities, given that all three trade unions representing employees in state-level police agencies are against such a legal solution," the Trade Union adds.