VIDOVIĆ: PROPOSED FIVE PERCENT SALARY INCREASE FOR BUDGET USERS FROM AUGUST 1

BANJA LUKA, JULY 7 /SRNA/ - The Minister of Finance of Republika Srpska, Zora Vidović, stated that a set of draft laws on salary increases for budget users envisions a five percent salary increase from August 1 until the end of the year.

Vidović informed the National Assembly of Republika Srpska that the Draft Law on Amendments to the Law on Salaries of Employees in Public Health Institutions stipulates the allocation of 14.5 million KM from the budget of Srpska for a five percent salary increase for healthcare workers. She said that the Draft Law on Amendments to the Law on Salaries of Employees in Public Services of Republika Srpska foresees a five percent salary increase, pointing out that 3,005 workers are employed in public services, and 2.8 million KM needs to be allocated for this increase. Vidović stated that the Draft Law on Amendments to the Law on Salaries of Employees in Primary and Secondary Schools and Student Dormitories in Republika Srpska envisions a five percent salary increase, and that 17,520 workers are employed in this sector, requiring an allocation of 11.4 million KM from the budget. According to her, the Draft Law on Amendments to the Law on Salaries of Employees in the Cultural Sector of Republika Srpska envisions a five percent salary increase for 742 workers, which requires an allocation of 700,000 KM. Vidović said that under the Draft Law on Amendments and Supplements to the Law on Salaries of Employees in Higher Education and Student Standards, 2.7 million KM needs to be allocated for the salary increase of 2,753 workers. Under the Draft Law on Amendments to the Law on Salaries of Employees in Administrative Bodies of Republika Srpska, 7.5 million KM needs to be allocated for a five percent salary increase for 5,000 workers. Under the Draft Law on Amendments to the Law on Salaries of Employees in the Ministry of Interior of Republika Srpska, 6.8 million KM must be allocated for the salary increase of 7,317 employees. Vidović said that the Draft Law on Amendments to the Law on Salaries of Employees in Judicial Institutions of Republika Srpska envisions a five percent salary increase for 2,759 workers, which requires an allocation of 2.4 million KM from the budget. "This does not include judges and prosecutors, as their salaries are determined by a special law," Vidović said, recalling that their salaries were increased by 10 percent starting in January of this year. Vidović reminded that this is the second salary increase for budget users this year. "Additionally, a health allowance has been introduced, which is already being paid out from the Health Insurance Fund of Republika Srpska," Vidović noted. Vidović said that salaries for budget users are being increased due to the rise in inflation compared to January of this year. The President of the National Assembly of Republika Srpska, Nenad Stevandić, concluded today's part of the session and scheduled the continuation of the session for tomorrow at 10:00 AM. The session will continue with a joint parliamentary debate on the proposed set of draft laws regarding salary increases for budget users.