Employers Association of FBiH Never Asked for Pension Cuts

(Patria) - The Employers Association of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina fully agrees with the statement of the Prime Minister of the Federation of BiH, Fadil Novalić, that the burden of the crisis "will not fall on the backs of pensioners, disability benefit recipients, and other most vulnerable categories". However, between the offered 244 KM for contributions on one hand, and the reduction of pensions and social benefits on the other, there is a huge space in which the best solutions should be found. The UPFBiH advocates for a culture of dialogue based on arguments.

The Employers Association of FBiH reminds that in the measures they proposed to the Government of FBiH on 03/29/2020, they clearly emphasized that as the second measure, they demand "the urgent adoption of the budget rebalance at the level of FBiH, cantons, municipalities, and cities, and all revenue, except for what is necessary for the functioning of the system, to be REDIRECTED to preventing the spread of infection, social and health security of citizens, and preserving the economy."

No one from the Employers Association of FBiH has ever asked for a reduction in pensions, social benefits, and allowances and the redirection of those funds to help the economy. On the contrary, in all official requests and documents sent to the Government of FBiH and competent institutions, it was insisted that funds from the budget be directed towards preventing the spread of the coronavirus infection, social and health protection of citizens, and only then to preserving the economy.

Once again, we call on those responsible in the Government of FBiH and other institutions to do their job responsibly and conscientiously, not to use this time of crisis to gain cheap political points, to achieve personal and particular interests, but to put the general interest first. Representatives of UPFBiH are ready to continue working on improving the text of the Bill on Mitigating Negative Economic Consequences and to insist on adopting solutions based on which the consequences of the crisis will be least felt by those who have the least, i.e., workers, more by employers, and the state - the most.