At 10:00 AM, judicial employees in Herzegovina-Neretva Canton (HNC) began a one-hour warning strike to highlight poor financial conditions affecting staff across judicial institutions represented by their union.

In a statement, the union emphasized the crucial role of administrative and technical staff in supporting judicial functions. They cited the increasing complexity of tasks brought on by digitalization as a factor requiring better recognition and remuneration.

“Unfortunately, there is a clear trend of employees, particularly younger administrative staff, leaving for other public service roles or the private sector,” the statement read. The union pointed to inadequate salaries, a lack of incentives, and the absence of regulations to account for job complexity and increased workloads in the canton.

Support from the High Judicial Council, but no response from HNC Government

The union highlighted the support of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council (HJPC), which has acknowledged the challenges faced by judicial staff. However, the union criticized the HNC government for failing to address the issue or respond to their submitted requests for improving material conditions.

Faced with continued inaction, the union decided at an emergency session to organize today's warning strike, aiming to draw attention to the dire financial situation of judicial employees.

Solidarity with teachers’ strike

The union also expressed full support for teachers in primary and secondary schools in HNC, who are currently on a general strike seeking better pay and working conditions.

“Recognizing the vital role of educational institutions, we fully back the justified demands of the school unions, who are striving to restore dignity to educators,” the statement concluded.