While debates continue on whether the increase in the minimum wage, along with high contributions and ban on working on Sundays, have negative consequences for the economy and business sector, the effects of these measures are already visible on the ground. In Doboj Jug, a local community with a few thousand residents but around 300 businesses, a large shopping center has closed, the service and trade sectors are laying off workers daily, and after 25 years of successful operation, an export-oriented company is shutting down its facilities and sending its employees to the employment office. Pročitaj više

Due to FBiH Government Decisions, Workers in Doboj Jug Are on the Streets, Businesses Closing

Similar stories are being recorded in many local communities across the Zenica-Doboj Canton.

“Our economy is declining in the sense that workers are being laid off and certain businesses are closing,” said Mirnes Tukic, the mayor of Doboj Jug.

One of the largest shopping centers was recently closed, and small businesses, restaurants, and hospitality establishments are also laying off workers.

“After the FBiH Government implemented these harmful measures, we had to lay off two workers from our restaurant,” said Mervan Muratovic, the manager of a hospitality business in Doboj Jug.

The extent to which the latest decisions of the FBiH Government are out of sync with the fiscal standards of modern business practices is illustrated by the case of a company that exported part of its wood production to the Swiss market. The moment the FBiH Government announced its decision on the minimum wage, the Swiss partner terminated the contract without explanation, Federalna.ba reported.