Pristina, October 26, 2023 – The Ombudsperson, Naim Qelaj visited on Thursday the miners of the “Trepça” flotation mine, who have entered the third day of the strike.

The Ombudsperson first met the chairman of the independent union of miners of Trepça, Ibrahim Jonuzi, and other representatives of the union, who provided information on the progress of the strike of about 700 miners, as well as on their demands.

Jonuzi emphasized that in the first two days, the health condition of some strikers has worsened and they requested medical help. He said that the strike will continue until three demands are met: the realization of the monthly salary on time from the 6th to the 10th of the month; dismissal of management (chief executive) and health insurance and working conditions.

Unionists also complained about working conditions, discriminatory treatment and non-fulfillment of obligations by management regarding trust payments and many other issues related to the rights of miners and other employees.

The Ombudsperson then visited the strikers inside the mine and saw their condition closely and talked with them.

The Ombudsperson emphasized that institutional care must exist, while for the union’s remarks about the management and leaders of this mine, there is definitely a place to sit down and discuss. He added that the lack of social dialogue remains worrying for him.

The Ombudsperson, in the framework of exercising his legal powers and responsibilities, will also request information from the responsible authorities regarding the miners’ strike.