Determining the base salary for civil servants and employees in the Federation of BiH is not linked to the minimum wage of 1,000 KM

(Patria) - The Independent Union of Civil Servants and Employees in State Administration Bodies, Judiciary, and Public Institutions in the FBiH issued a statement today clarifying that the minimum wage of 1,000 KM and the determination of the base salary for civil servants and employees in the Federation of BiH are not interconnected.

"The Union negotiated with the Collegium of the Government of the Federation of BiH before the Decision on the amount of the minimum wage for 2025 was made. On that occasion, the Union demanded compliance with the provisions of the Law on Salaries and Allowances in FBiH Authorities and the Collective Agreement.

During the negotiations, Union representatives presented analyses showing the increase in the cost of living and average salaries in the FBiH from 2021 to 2024, and pointed out significant differences in salaries of employees in state and federal administration bodies.

Also, the Union conveyed the dissatisfaction of its members due to the rising cost of living, low salaries of administration employees, as well as due to the non-payment of one-time financial assistance.

We emphasize that the statements of some economists, which link the base salary of administration employees to the minimum wage, are incorrect. The base salary for civil servants and employees is determined by law and the Collective Agreement between the Government of the FBiH and the representative union. Its amount is multiplied by a coefficient to determine the net salary.

Although negotiations will be held regarding the application of provisions related to the minimum wage, this does not mean that there will be a linear increase in salaries. The adjustment of the lowest incomes will be made through coefficients, in accordance with the agreed base salary.

The Independent Union remains committed to protecting the rights of its members and will continue to insist on responsible and transparent dialogue with the Government of the Federation of BiH," the statement said.