Social Democratic Party of BiH considers reduction of miners' wages shameful

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - Although it is commendable to make budget savings in these difficult times of the pandemic to help the most vulnerable, the Social Democratic Party of BiH believes that miners should not be the ones whose wages are reduced under any circumstances.

"This is a shameful decision, especially considering the fact that miners in the shafts managed by Elektroprivreda BiH have been working throughout the entire pandemic. While the leaders of the Government and Elektroprivreda BiH boasted about stable electricity supply at press conferences, as if the virus had attacked the power grid, miners were diligently digging at the same time. There was no interruption in production, all to ensure that citizens and businesses have sufficient electricity," the SDP BiH stated in a press release.

SDP adds that if there was truly good intention, wages should be reduced for government officials and management staff.

"They are the ones who have salaries and benefits that even much more developed countries than Bosnia and Herzegovina would not be ashamed of. Any reduction in miners' income is unacceptable to the SDP BiH. This decision must be revoked, and miners must be paid the full amount of their wages. Therefore, the SDP BiH fully supports the warning strike of the miners of RMU Zenica in their endeavor to achieve their rights. Miners are undoubtedly one of the pillars of the economy of FBiH, but also of the entire Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially considering that our country will remain dependent on fossil fuels used for electricity production in the future. The SDP BiH expects the impotent SDA-HDZ-SBB Government of FBiH not only to pay the stolen earnings to the miners but also to provide them with additional funds for efficient and safe work in the interest of all of us," say the SDP BiH.