Prijedor Court rules pensioners over 65 have right to work

The District Court in Prijedor has overturned a decision by the Ministry of Labor, Veterans and Disability Protection of Republika Srpska, ruling that pensioners over the age of 65 have the right to establish new employment relationships.

The legal dispute originated when a labor inspector ordered the Banja Luka-based company ‘Master’ to terminate the employment of four workers aged over 65. The employer contested this, arguing that the law does not prohibit retirees from signing new employment contracts. The court ultimately sided with the employer, confirming the legality of their employment.

Despite the final court ruling, the Ministry of Labor continues to maintain its stance that individuals over 65 can no longer be in an employment relationship. Disgruntled pensioners have characterized this position as a violation of the law and an ignore of a binding judicial decision, noting that over 10,000 pensioners currently work in various sectors such as construction, transport, and trade.