Workers protest: Government's gone, law enforcement

With the motto “being long enough, law enforcement”, workers protested in their international day note on May 1.

The protest held in Pristina has been called by the Union of Independent Trade Unions of Kosovo (BSPK), where workers, even though few in number, demanded enforcement of the law and respect of their rights.

BSPK Chairman Avni Aydin said that through this protest, they are demanding government law enforcement for workers, dignified wages, the establishment of minimum wage at 250 euros, job security and implementation of collective contract.

“Today we will also say to the government, "Moball." We are unique today. We are together today all union federations, all independence workers why there is no large number. But our message is this: implement the law, raise the minimum wage to 250 euros. to drop pension schemes for ten years, recognize the experience of the 90-99 work, job safety, health security and must be respected collective contracts, individual contracts, in which there are massive violations in the private sector. Why do you say that you are witnesses of the 12 hours that you are paid only by 8 hours. We ask for that to be applied to the law. That's enough for that reason. It's a motto. If we don't ask for our rights, even more radically I guarantee that they can't be realized. We must always seek our rights, as it is outside the law... not just empty words, but to realize our rights. There is nowhere in the world that 75 euros should be taken in a pension, should it be treated, eaten, or held by the family. I demand that wages be done and, not one thousand euros and one 100 euros and 75 euros, in any way. Not enough shit, enough of that”, Aydin said.

He said this will not be the only protest, and if their demands are not met, there will be protests and more massive and that they will not expect 1 May.

Shukrie Rexhepi, chairman of the BSPK woman's network, requested rights for women in Kosovo and equal treatment with men.

“We as women have some extra requests. First, we seek real gender equality. What does total respect for the gender equality law mean? Fifty-50 percent representation. Equal opportunities and salaries, same as for men and women. They want equality, equality... what's very important that women be placed in decision-making positions 50-50. We also strictly seek to prevent sexual harassment at the workplace”, Rexhepi said.

The protest was attached to him and the artistic community to express their dissatisfaction.

Faithful Grejqevci from the Independent Unions of Ansammbli Shota, who had joined the workers' protest, said it is time for workers in Kosovo to be treated with dignity.

The time has come for the worker of each sphere to work on, wherever he acts to feel secure. To feel supported, to feel respected, to feel dignified and to get what is due... unless we have health insurance. As long as there's no respect, there's no application of the benefits that come out of the collective contract, which is signed by the three government sides, MPMS and BSPK are many obstacles that we enjoy today as workers of the Republic of Kosovo”, he said.

This is a rare BSPK protest on May 1st, as there has been no such protest in the past years.