# Labor and financial crisis at Željeznice Republike Srpske > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/labor-and-financial-crisis-at-eljeznice-republike-srpske > Updated: 2026-08-29T06:40:38.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2. Željeznice Republike Srpske (ŽRS) is experiencing significant workforce challenges. Initially, the company reported a critical labor shortage, particularly among technical, electrical, and executive staff. Acting Director Dragan Zelenković noted that the workforce decreased from 1,699 to 1,628 employees within the first eight months of the year, driven by retirements and contract terminations. Despite government approval to hire 30 new staff members, finding qualified candidates for specialized roles like locomotive drivers remains difficult. This labor instability has been compounded by financial disputes. The Independent Transport and Traffic Union of ŽRS has threatened to suspend operations starting September 1, 2026, if July salaries are not paid. Union president Dragan Peulić attributed the delay to the Government of Republika Srpska failing to settle a required grant to the company. The union expressed concerns that these unpaid wages jeopardize the financial and social security of approximately 1,630 employees and hinder the company’s ability to attract or retain skilled personnel. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-29: Željeznice Republike Srpske union threatens strike over unpaid wages A union at Željeznice Republike Srpske has threatened a work stoppage on September 1 if July salaries for 1,630 employees are not paid due to a government grant delay. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eljeznice-republike-srpske-union-threatens-strike-over-unpaid-wages ### 2026-08-25: Željeznice Republike Srpske faces critical labor shortage Željeznice Republike Srpske faces a critical shortage of technical and transport workers, having lost over 70 employees this year due to retirements and resignations. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eljeznice-republike-srpske-faces-critical-labor-shortage --- Cite as: Labor and financial crisis at Željeznice Republike Srpske. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/labor-and-financial-crisis-at-eljeznice-republike-srpske