The workers’ union of the Gračanica coal mine doo Gornji Vakuf makes a public appeal to all councilors, political parties and the mayor of Gornji Vakuf Municipality to support the granting of a concession for the expansion of the exploitation field in the settlement of Donja Ričica, which would enable the continuation of the mine and preserve the existence of 140 families.
The Gračanica mine is the heart of the economy and life of this region, with a tradition of almost 90 years. Since 1938, generations of miners have been building the foundations of Gornji Vakuf-Uskoplje’s survival with their work and sacrifice. Today, when the existing Dimnjaca mine is nearing the end of exploitation, expansion in Donja Ričica is the only way to ensure the continuity of production, jobs and economic stability, according to the Union.
The mine employs 140 people, hundreds make a living from it
They add that 140 workers are employed in the mine with extremely competitive incomes that are far above the average in the region, which makes this mine one of the most stable employers in the municipality, canton and the Federation. In addition to direct employees, a large number of local companies, tradesmen and transporters do business with the mine, so hundreds of other citizens indirectly depend on its work.
The union reminds that shutting down the mine would mean a social disaster, many workers have loans, have invested in homes and property, and without secure income they would be forced to leave their community.
Shutting down the mine is a blow to citizens, schools and the economy!
They point out that coal from Gračanica is not only an economic issue, but also an energy issue of survival.
– A large number of households, schools, public institutions and businesses in our municipality use this energy source for heating. Cessation of production would mean an increase in firewood prices, additional costs for the population and the economy, and more difficult work for public institutions – they state and add:
– The Gračanica mine has been one of the largest economic entities and taxpayers in the area of Gornji Vakuf for years. Through concession fees, taxes, contributions, sponsorships and donations, the mine regularly contributes to the development of sports, culture, education and humanitarian work. We share all our income with the community from which we originate. Without the mine, the municipality would also lose a significant source of stable income.
The expansion of the mine is not national emigration, it is a chance!
The union and the management of the mine clearly say that the project is not aimed at the national emigration of the population, as many represent it, but on the contrary, at the stay and survival of the employment, first of all, of local people. As they state, the residents of Donja Ričica and the surrounding settlements will have preference for employment, especially those whose property is within the scope of the new mine.
– We want the mine to grow together with the local community and for every family to feel benefit, not fear – the miners emphasize.
The workers and management of the mine stand united behind the demand to preserve jobs.
– We are not asking for privileges, but the right to work, to feed our families and to live from our honest work. If necessary, we will fight with all legal means, peaceful protests and other forms of trade union struggle, in order to defend our right to life – says the Trade Union.
A call to responsibility and reason
The union appeals to all councilors and political representatives to be aware of the weight of the decision before them.
– Your vote will decide the fate of 140 families and the future of our city. This decision is not only economic, it is moral and human. It shows whether this municipality stands by its workers or leaves them to uncertainty and emigration – they emphasize.
The union expresses the hope that reason, awareness and responsibility towards the people who have supported the economy of this region for decades will prevail, writes Factor.
– We believe that the councilors will show that they are with the workers, with their families, with their people. This is not a matter of politics, this is a matter of survival. Support the expansion of the Gračanica Coal Mine, because supporting the mine means supporting life in Gornji Vakuf – it is stated in the statement signed by the President of the Trade Union Fahrija Tihak.
