Unions seek a fairer system, delegates promise support

(Patria) - A meeting was held today in the Sarajevo Canton building between representatives of the Independent Union of Civil Servants and Employees of Sarajevo Canton and the Union of Police of Sarajevo Canton with delegates from Sarajevo Canton to the House of Peoples of the Parliament of the Federation of BiH – Jelena Pekić and Belma Kapo (SDP BiH), and Miomirka Melank and Vibor Handžić (Naša stranka). The topic of discussion was the initiative to amend the Law on Salaries and Allowances in the authorities of FBiH, as well as the Law on Employees.

The Union of Civil Servants submitted an initiative that would allow cantons, municipalities, and cities to independently prescribe more favorable coefficients when determining salaries through collective agreements. This would enable local communities to form a more stimulating salary system, in line with local needs and capabilities.

According to the Union, the outflow of staff from the cantonal to the federal level, precisely because of significant differences in salaries for the same or similar jobs, jeopardizes the quality and capacity of cantonal public administration. It is particularly emphasized that there is currently no principle of "equal pay for equal work", which further demotivates employees.

The delegates expressed their willingness to resolve this issue, emphasizing that they understand its importance for the functioning of Sarajevo Canton and the quality of services that public administration provides to citizens. However, the meeting was described as initial, with further steps and considerations announced.

It was also mentioned that the issue of amending the Law on Employees should be opened, as the situation on the ground, as stated, has been below any professional standard for a long time.

It was emphasized at the meeting that a regulated and transparent salary system would be the first step towards building a modern and attractive public sector, which can retain, but also attract, qualified staff.

The next meeting on this topic is scheduled for Monday, July 7, when the concrete form of legal proposals that delegates might propose for parliamentary procedure could be defined.