SIPA and SPS Unions Seek Help from International and Police Unions: 22,500 Employees Denied Salary Increase

(Patria) - The Trade Union of the State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA) and the Trade Union of the Service for Foreigners' Affairs (SPS) have sent an urgent appeal and requested support from ITUC (International Trade Union Confederation) and CESP (European Council of Police Unions), expressing concern over the endangered rights of employees in BiH institutions.

In their letter, they inform them about the systematic violations of workers' rights in BiH institutions.

"Dear Secretariat of ITUC/CESP,

We are urgently addressing you on behalf of two independent trade unions at the state level in Bosnia and Herzegovina: the Trade Union of the State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA) and the Trade Union of the Service for Foreigners' Affairs.

Although we are not currently members of ITUC, we are reaching out to you with an urgent and immediate request for solidarity and international support, as workers' rights in state institutions of BiH are being systematically and seriously violated.

Summary of the situation:

Despite the formal decision of the Council of Ministers of BiH to increase the base salary for employees in state institutions, its implementation is conditional on the adoption of the annual state budget. Unfortunately, due to long-standing political blockades and instability, the budget for 2025 has not yet been adopted, and the fiscal year is nearing its end.

As a direct consequence, 22,500 employees in BiH institutions - including police officers, civil servants, and other workers - are being denied their legal right to a salary increase, suffering continuous and unacceptable violations of their labor rights.

Measures taken:

Over the past months, we have exhausted all available institutional mechanisms, including: Sending official requests and letters to the Presidency of BiH, the Council of Ministers, relevant ministries, and Parliament. Filing criminal charges against responsible persons. Submitting an initiative to the Constitutional Court to assess the legality and constitutionality of relevant salary provisions. Holding press conferences, legal proceedings, and public warnings.

Despite all these efforts, there has been no response or political will to resolve this critical issue. The political situation is deeply entrenched, leaving workers without any realistic domestic solution.

Our request:

We urgently ask ITUC/CESP to intervene publicly and immediately by issuing a statement or call to the BiH authorities for the urgent adoption of the budget and the fulfillment of legal obligations towards public sector employees. Offer guidance or legal avenues at the international level (including the ILO) that we can pursue without delay. Help raise international awareness and visibility of this severe crisis, as we are facing systemic silence and blockade within the country. We are prepared to provide all necessary evidence, copies of correspondence, court filings, or other legal materials upon request. We thank you in advance for your urgent solidarity and support," the letter states.