Increase in Minimum Wage Leads to Job Loss for Persons with Disabilities in Tuzla

(Patria) - In the company "Intrag" from Tuzla, founded 11 years ago with the aim of employing persons with disabilities, only two out of the former 12 workers remain today. Most have ended up back on the unemployment registry, and despite legal obligations, solidarity and empathy are almost non-existent.

The only employed person with a disability at this moment is Ana Zec, who until a few months ago worked side-by-side with ten colleagues.

"This is the fault of society as a whole, from institutions, laws, citizens, all of us," says Ana.

"Intrag" produces business cards, flyers, brochures, and souvenirs, but demand is modest, and the increase in the minimum wage was too great a burden. Due to a lack of funds, seven workers were laid off, and there was no help in sight.

"No one responded to say: let's try to support your work, let's buy what you produce and try to maintain this production," explains the company's director, Anes Ćehović.

The situation worsened when "Intrag" received notification from the Fund for Professional Rehabilitation and Employment of Persons with Disabilities that it was not eligible for further participation in programs.

"When we were left with five, we tried to apply. We received a response from the Fund that we had unjustly dismissed workers and could not apply," says Ćehović.

Although the Fund's public call is ongoing, "Intrag" is prevented from participating. The Fund confirmed to BHRT that according to their Rulebook, severe economic conditions and a lack of operating funds are not justifiable reasons for program termination.

A complicating factor is the fact that public institutions are legally obliged to procure 30 percent of their material supplies from such companies. In practice, this provision is rarely respected, although it could save the jobs of persons with disabilities.

"Those who have many more opportunities to employ persons with disabilities, and by that I mean public institutions, the state as the largest employer, not only do they not employ persons with disabilities, but they most often do not pay the obligations in case they do not employ them," emphasizes the president of the Information Center for Persons with Disabilities "Lotos" from Tuzla, Suvad Zahirović.

The case of "Intrag" shows how a lack of solidarity and empathy in society is stronger than legal solutions. Ten workers with disabilities have lost their jobs and the right to a dignified life, while institutions – despite legal obligations – have done nothing to prevent it.

The situation at Intrag testifies to the lack of empathy and solidarity in all spheres of society. Will decision-makers fail the test again this time?