Zenica miners refuse to leave Raspotocje pit

Like miners in Kakanj and Breza, the Zenica miners are also unable to validate their health insurance cards because their social contributions have not been paid, preventing them from accessing healthcare.

"The second shift that went underground yesterday refused to leave the mine last night. The workers responsible for maintaining the underground facilities then decided to do the same, bringing the total to 12 workers in the mine this morning. The first shift has since gone underground as well, bringing the total to around 20. Union president Durakovic went down to try to speak with them, but the workers no longer trust even us in the union," Alic said.

He noted that they had been promised their May wages by the beginning of July and their June wages by July 25, but they have received neither.

"The workers are most troubled by the uncertainty," he added.

"We know the mine is being shut down, but we need to be paid our wages and contributions so we can retire or look for work elsewhere. I am also waiting to be declared redundant. There are 110 people on the redundancy list," Alic said.