Mostar municipal utility Bosniak dismissals

In late July 2026 the public utility JP Komunalno in Mostar dismissed a group of Bosniak employees, sparking accusations of ethnic replacement. On 22 July the company terminated the contracts of 18 Bosniak workers and later added four more. The mayor defended the action as lawful disciplinary measures, while SDA politician Ibrahim Izetbegović warned that Bosniaks were being systematically replaced by Croats. The Federal Ministry of Labour ordered an urgent inspection, citing procedural doubts, lack of defence rights, and improper termination notices.

By 27 July the total number of dismissed field workers rose to 22. The Trade Union of Communal Workers demanded that the terminations be annulled, pointing to inspection findings of numerous irregularities and alleged ethnic discrimination. Union president Fikret Dedović highlighted the case of Edin Zukić, fired while on sick leave after a heart attack. A protest convoy from the Drežnica community gathered at city hall, and the issue was placed on the agenda of the upcoming Mostar City Council meeting. The union appealed to cantonal, federal and state labour authorities for a review.

On 29 July SDA president Bakir Izetbegović met the 22 dismissed workers, pledging political, legal and institutional support to reverse the dismissals. He urged competent authorities to examine the legality of the terminations and to order reinstatement, criticizing the acting director and Mayor Marijo Kordić for worsening inter‑ethnic tensions. The meeting was attended by City Council President Đani Rahimić and SDA board chair Alis Čolaković, and the party called for swift action to protect the rights of Bosniaks and all citizens of Mostar.