Unions demand a 20 percent salary increase, Sarajevo Canton Government appoints negotiation teams for primary, secondary, and higher education

(Patria) - The Government of Sarajevo Canton, at an extraordinary session on November 14, passed decisions on appointing negotiation teams of the KS Government to commence and conduct negotiations for the conclusion of a new collective agreement for the activities of higher education and science at the University of Sarajevo with the UNSA Trade Union, preschool education and primary education in Sarajevo Canton, and secondary education.

The Cantonal Board of the Independent Trade Union of Primary Education and Upbringing of Sarajevo Canton (SSOOiO FBiH – KO SSOOIO KS), headed by Saudin Sivro, published a statement yesterday in which they note that the KS Government has grossly violated two collective agreements because it did not negotiate the base salary for 2026 with the trade unions before adopting the Draft Budget for 2026.

“The Trade Union Coordination demands a 20% salary increase and the signing of collective agreements that will preserve all valid rights of employees,” the statement reads.

The KS Assembly adopted the Draft Budget for 2026 on November 14, and the public debate lasts for 20 days. The KS Budget for 2026 is expected to be adopted by the end of this year.

Appointed to the Negotiation Team of the Government of Sarajevo Canton for commencing and conducting negotiations for the conclusion of a new Collective Agreement for the activities of higher education and science at the University of Sarajevo with the Trade Union of the University of Sarajevo are: Dušanka Bošković, Minister of Science, Higher Education and Youth of Sarajevo Canton, Enda Pavić Pečenković, Minister of Labour, Social Affairs, Displaced Persons and Refugees of Sarajevo Canton, Darja Softić Kadenić, Minister of Justice and Administration of Sarajevo Canton, Afan Kalamujić, Minister of Finance of Sarajevo Canton.

Appointed to the Negotiation Team of the Government of Sarajevo Canton for the adoption of the Collective Agreement for the activities of preschool education and primary education and upbringing in Sarajevo Canton are: Naida Hota-Muminović, Minister of Upbringing and Education of Sarajevo Canton – president, Afan Kalamujić, Minister of Finance of Sarajevo Canton – member, Enda Pavić Pečenković, Minister of Labour, Social Affairs, Displaced Persons and Refugees of Sarajevo Canton – member, Darja Softić Kadenić, Minister of Justice and Administration of Sarajevo Canton - member; Refik Kurtović, Director of the Public Institution Primary School "Zahid Baručija" - member.

Appointed to the Negotiation Team of the Government of Sarajevo Canton for the adoption of the Collective Agreement for the activity of secondary education in Sarajevo Canton are Naida Hota-Muminović, Minister of Upbringing and Education of Sarajevo Canton - president; Afan Kalamujić, Minister of Finance of Sarajevo Canton - member; Enda Pavić Pečenković, Minister of Labour, Social Affairs, Displaced Persons and Refugees of Sarajevo Canton - member; Darja Softić Kadenić, Minister of Justice and Administration of Sarajevo Canton - member and Emela Mehmedspahić, Director of the First Bosniak Gymnasium Sarajevo - member.