Alla impact stories
From conflict to dialogue on labour law in Bosnia and Herzegovina
During a four-day programme organised by the Palme Center and FLI, politicians, trade union representatives, and civil society organisations in Bosnia and Herzegovina came together to discuss labour law amid tensions over changes to labour legislation. By creating space for open dialogue, the initiative helped strengthen trust and support fair labour market reforms.When Bosnia and Herzegovina began reforming labour law linked to EU integration, political tensions in the country simultaneously increased.
The issue of the minimum wage in particular created conflict – making trust between authorities, trade unions and civil society weak.
Dialogue allowed for solutions and better conditions
In May 2025, the Palme Center, together with the Forum Left Initiative (FLI), took the initiative to bring together key stakeholders in Sarajevo. During a four-day programme, politicians, trade union representatives and civil society organisations met to discuss labour law, social dialogue and labour market reforms.
The dialogue made it possible to discuss concrete solutions regarding the minimum wage, labour inspections and how the reforms could be implemented more fairly.
The initiative proved to be particularly important for the decision to raise the minimum wage to 1000 KM in 2025.
By creating a forum for open dialogue, the initiative helped to strengthen trust between the prevailing parties and create better conditions for fair labour market reforms.
