Demands to Novalić: Miners from FBiH on the streets on July 20, union says they have hit rock bottom

Nermin Nikšić, president of the SDP, today sent an open letter to Fadil Novalić, Prime Minister of FBiH, demanding that he withdraw the request for a constitutionality review of the Law on Waters of the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton.

Namely, this law imposes on electric power companies to pay water fees twice for flooded land, whereby, according to Nikšić, the fee paid based on the canton's decision is completely illegal. Also, Nikšić states in the letter that Prime Minister Novalić made this decision under pressure from HDZ BiH because the money collected by HNK from water fees is sovereignly managed by this party.

Nikšić warned that such a move could harm miners in FBiH, who, as confirmed to Patria, decided to demonstrate on July 20 if Novalić and the FBiH Government do not meet their conditions.

Nezir Begić, president of the Union of RMU Kakanj, told NAP that it seems that whatever social trouble occurs, it goes on the backs of miners and ends there.

- I think we have hit rock bottom when it comes to the status of mines. Recently, we have been actively negotiating with the FBiH Government, i.e., with Prime Minister Fadil Novalić, regarding status issues. Simply, no one even raises questions about the miners' standard anymore, which is our task in the unions, and we are forced to save the mines. I think it was announced today that we have announced protests for July 20, if an agreement is not reached with the Prime Minister on securing some funds for the mines. We will then have to go to protests where we will point out the very, very difficult position of miners – says Begić.

As Begić explained, an eight-point agreement was offered to Novalić. Among other things, the FBiH Government is asked to continue investments by Elektroprivreda, implement the second phase of restructuring the electricity sector, and provide financial assistance.

- We demand that a part of the electricity price be set aside into a Fund from which modernization would be financed, so that miners can earn, rather than others giving us aid. If we are equipped, we can earn our own salaries. We are not asking for a salary increase, but for good working conditions to be ensured – says Begić.

He also touched on the warning that Nikšić sent to Novalić, agreeing that any loss for Elektroprivreda will affect miners and mines.

- Well, any reduction in Elektroprivreda's invoice or other draining of their funds naturally affects the mines as well. Because Elektroprivreda has carried out a series of investments and other forms of assistance for the mines, although that is insufficient – emphasized Begić.