[REVISION HISTORY]

Miners in Bosnia and Herzegovina announce mass protests

Updated 13 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-09-22 19:13 UTC → 2026-09-23 16:35 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The crisis escalated as four out of seven mines within the Elektroprivreda BiH concern ceased production. In addition to the insurance debt, workers at the Breza and Abid Lolić Bila mines reported unpaid wages for August. By 17 September, the situation saw mixed developments. While miners in Kakanj ended their strike following the decision by the Health Insurance Institute of Zenica-Doboj Canton to resume validating health insurance booklets, production remained halted at the Breza and Abid Lolić Bila mines. The unrest continues to be driven by unpaid wages and healthcare access issues; specifically, workers in Breza and Han Bila are demanding August wages, while Zenica workers remain owed wages for May, June, and July. The ZZO ZDK reported that mines in the Zenica-Doboj Canton owe the institute over 175 million KM in unpaid contributions. In response, unions have scheduled mass protests, including a demonstration in Zenica on 21 September and a larger protest in front of the Elektroprivreda BiH headquarters in Sarajevo on 22 September. Union leaders are calling for the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina government to implement a systemic solution to address the multi-million KM debts to ensure the stability of the healthcare system and the energy sector. As of By 22 September, the situation in Zenica ~~has intensified. Members~~ intensified as members of the Trade Union Committee of the Zenica Lignite Mines (RMU Zenica) ~~have~~ launched a hunger strike due to ~~significant wage arrears, with workers owed~~ four months of unpaid ~~salaries dating back to May.~~ salaries. Approximately fifteen workers ~~have~~ barricaded themselves in the Miners’ ~~Home.~~ Home, with Union President Nedžad Duraković ~~described~~ describing the ~~hunger strike~~ action as a ‘desperate move.’ The union demanded the immediate payment of at least two of the four outstanding salaries. On 23 September, Federal Minister of Energy, Mining and Industry Vedran Lakić announced that administrative procedures are nearing completion to facilitate debt payments. These funds are being provided through a World Bank project titled ‘Just Transition in Selected Coal-Rich Regions in Bosnia and Herzegovina,’ valued at over 150 million KM. Once the designated account is opened, the ministry intends to settle all debts owed to Zenica miners and proceed with worker displacement and reintegration programs.

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