Prime Minister of the Republic of Srpska Savo Minić and President of the Trade Unions Association of Republic of Srpska Goran Stanković signed today a Memorandum on Joint Measures which defines a series of activities aimed at improving the standard of workers and strengthening of social dialogue.

Prime Minister Minić stated that it was mutual desire to sign this document on the eve of May 1, the Labor Day, and emphasized that the Government of the Republic of Srpska will fully implement all the commitments it has undertaken.

"The topics we opened today are topics that will contribute to better standard of living for the workers", Prime Minister Minić said and added that he  understood the real demands of workers on whom the entire economy and business rested and that today's discussions focused on topics that would  directly contribute to better life for citizens.

During the meeting with Trade Unions representatives payment of the thirteenth salary and the introduction of a tax-free recourse were discussed while special attention was paid to wage policy and preserving the standard of living of workers. 

The Prime Minister said that the Memorandum envisages a broad dialogue between all partners, which should result in the adoption of a new labor law, which will further regulate the area of ​​labor rights, but also the position of employers who form the pillar of the economy of the Republic of Srpska.

According to Prime Minister Minić, one of key segments of future cooperation will be the strengthening of inspection supervision and changes in penal policy. Prime Minister Minić said that the number of inspectors must be increased and that sanctions for violations of labor rights must be such that they force employers to comply with the law, instead of paying fines which is economically more profitable for them than protecting the workers.

“I would like to express once again my sincere satisfaction with the position of the Confederation of Trade Unions, and say that they are sincere partners of the Government of Republic of Srpska and I will be available so that in the future period after signing of this Memorandum, we can make a number of important steps forward when it comes to labor rights in Republic of Srpska”, Prime Minister Minić said.

He said that the ultimate goal of these measures is to create economic environment in which workers will not need to work abroad, but will be able to earn enough to live a decent life through their work at home.

President of the Trade Unions Association of Republic of Srpska Goran Stanković stated that the Memorandum on Joint Measures was an important step towards improving the position of workers in Republic of Srpska and strengthening of social dialogue.

"For us, this is not just a document, this is an obligation to work on increasing wages, preserving the standard of living of all workers in Republic of  Srpska and strengthening workers' rights", Stanković said at a press conference in Banja Luka after signing the Memorandum. 

He pointed out that the Memorandum regulated all matter in quality manner as well as clear mecahnism for controlling everything signed.  

He stated that efforts must continue to increase salaries in Republic of Srpska and to preserve the standard of living of workers despite numerous challenges. 

"The Association of Trade Unions remains responsible and determined social partner and an important voice for workers in Republic of Srpska. We must implement everything that has been agreed. This is just one step, but it is not the end, we will continue to fight for higher wages and dignified work so that every worker in Republic of Srpska can live a better and higher quality life", Stanković said.