Healthcare unions in Sarajevo warn of staff shortages and labor issues

Healthcare workers' unions in Sarajevo Canton are raising alarms regarding labor organization, staff shortages, and employee burnout. Senad Sadiković, president of the Healthcare Workers' Union, warned that these issues threaten both employee rights and the quality of patient care. The union, representing over 4,000 members, is preparing to negotiate a new collective agreement aimed at improving working conditions and increasing salaries by April 2027.

Elvira Isić Karić, president of the Clinical Center of the University of Sarajevo (KCUS) basic union organization, called for stronger social dialogue with management. She highlighted ongoing issues such as unpaid overtime and the practice of reassignment, where medical staff and hygiene workers are moved to different organizational units to cover staffing gaps—a practice that has persisted since the pandemic.

In response to recent tensions, KCUS management stated that while they respect employees' political rights, the protection of patients and the institution's reputation must remain the priority. The center addressed concerns regarding the Pediatric Clinic, noting that investments in the department have increased significantly, from approximately 85,000 KM annually between 2016 and 2024 to nearly 430,000 KM annually over the last three years.