The Trade Union of BiH Sales workers and the Union of Metalworkers of the Federation (FBiH) entity kicked off the May Day protest walk in Sarajevo. The gathering started in front of the BiH Parliament building and then they continued walking towards the headquarters of the EU Delegation and the FBiH Government.

The motto of the May Day March was “EU – Are we coming, or is it over? If and when does a better life for workers in Bosnia and Herzegovina begin”. In this regard, they presented their requests to the Council of Ministers, but also the EU Delegation.

They recalled that on March 21, 2024, Bosnia and Herzegovina received the green light for negotiations on the European Union membership and that this important moment was in focus in the past year, while other processes in the country remained in the shadows.

Therefore, one of their demands is their wish to participate in the negotiation process, pointing out the need to harmonize domestic legislation with EU directives, through an increase in the minimum wage, among other things.

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In addition to marking the most important workers’ holiday, Tuesday’s protest was an opportunity to make clear demands, not only to all levels of government in Bosnia and Herzegovina but also to capital owners.

The FBiH Union of Metalworkers is fighting for a better position for their workers. Due to their difficult financial situation, they are asking for an immediate salary increase by increasing the hourly wage through the branch collective agreement.

“Workers survive by making ends meet with short-term loans or borrowing, or by doing one or two more jobs at a time when they should be resting from hard work,” the Union said.

Given that the Employers’ Association refused negotiations, and that neither the minimum wage laws nor a set of fiscal laws were adopted, the Metalworkers’ Union wants to publicly express its dissatisfaction.

If their demands are not met, the Union will decide on further activities, including the possibility of a general strike at the level of the metal branch in the FBiH.