Zenica coal miners protest underground over unpaid wages

Coal miners from the Zenica Mine (RMU Zenica) have spent several consecutive nights protesting inside the ‘Raspotočje’ mine. The workers are demanding the payment of overdue wages for May and June, with July's salary also approaching. The protesters are refusing to leave the mine until they receive written guarantees and specific deadlines for their payments.

The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina Government and the Federal Ministry of Energy, Mining, and Industry have stated that funds have been secured for the payments. Approximately 3 million KM is expected to be operational in the coming days following the activation of World Bank project funds. However, union representatives have expressed skepticism, noting that negotiations have been ongoing for two years without resolution.

Safety concerns have been raised, as the mine contains methane. While the government has called for the miners to exit the mine for their own safety, the union maintains that the protest is a necessary response to the financial crisis. One miner was recently treated by emergency services due to exhaustion, highlighting the physical toll of the underground protest.