Zenica miners launch hunger strike over unpaid wages

Members of the Trade Union Committee of the Zenica Lignite Mines (RMU Zenica) have launched a hunger strike due to significant wage arrears. The workers are owed four months of unpaid salaries, dating back to May.

Approximately fifteen workers have barricaded themselves in the Miners' Home to protest. The union's primary demand is the immediate payment of at least two of the four outstanding salaries. Union President Nedžad Duraković described the hunger strike as a “desperate move,” noting that a deadline was set for the afternoon to resolve the issue.

The Ministry of Energy, Mining, and Industry of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina has indicated that they are working to open an account to receive funds from a World Bank loan to address the situation. Despite the potential closure of the enterprise, union members are calling for an expedited resolution regarding their employment status and the fulfillment of current financial obligations to ensure workers can continue maintaining critical infrastructure, such as the Raspotočje and Stara jama methane mines.