Business owners in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina gathered in front of the FBiH Government building in Sarajevo on Tuesday to protest the recent decision to raise the minimum wage in the entity from 619 Bosnian marks (€316) to 1,000 Bosnian marks (€511), effective in 2025.
The protest attracted a significant crowd, with participants arriving steadily. It was organized by members of the Viber group “Privrednici Federacije” (FBiH Business Owners), which allegedly includes over 8,000 members.
In the group, business owners have repeatedly raised concerns about what they see as the long-term harmful effects of this wage increase on economic growth in the FBiH and the country as a whole.
Protesters argue that the minimum wage hike represents a direct blow to the FBiH economy and allege it favors the other entity, Republika Srpska. They also criticized other recent government policies, such as the public smoking ban and mandatory non-working Sundays, which they believe place additional strain on businesses.
The protests were symbolically timed to begin at 11:55 am, with the message that time is running out for action. Under the slogan “Be a part of the change”, demonstrators outlined the following demands:
- Salaries higher than 1,000 Bosnian marks (€511),
- A fair and equitable taxation system,
- Reduced employer contributions,
- An end to unfair burdens on businesses.
Business owners pointed out that they are not against the increase of minimum wages, but against budget payments that have remained at the same level.
“This decision is completely ill-considered. It will close many jobs, I know many who have shared their resignations, but those layoffs will have to wait because we are waiting for a decision after the Economic-Social Council session,” Tarik Hosic, one of the business owners, told N1.
He added that here the authorities are manipulating and do not want to tell the truth about the workers.
Another business owner addressed those present, presenting their demands. She said that the FBiH Government divided the employers and workers with an inciting narrative.
One of the main demands she stated is the immediate suspension and revision of the decision on the minimum wage in such a way that 700 Bosnian marks (€350) is taxable and 300 marks (€150) is non-taxable.
She called the parliament to account and to sanction the actions of the FBiH Prime Minister, Nermin Niksic. In addition, they demand an urgent session of the FBiH Government.
If specific measures are not adopted, business owners have warned of additional gatherings and protests in the future.
While employers from across the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina attended the demonstration in large numbers, the turnout among workers was noticeably smaller.
After approximately 50 minutes, the protesters dispersed, and traffic in the area resumed.
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