We would like to inform you that the deminers protest, announced by Novi sindikat for September 19 at Mark’s Square, has been temporarily cancelled. The decision to cancel came after consultations with union members from the demining sector and following the meeting at the Ministry of the Interior, where we received binding written confirmation regarding the resolution of all three demands that had prompted the protest. Since there is currently no reason to protest, it has been cancelled. Should the commitments not be honored in writing, a new protest will be organized.

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND WILLINGNESS TO PARTICIPATE!

As a reminder, Novi sindikat had announced a protest by deminers for Thursday, September 19, at 11 a.m. at Mark’s Square. The protest aimed to demand a protected minimum pension, the adoption of an exit strategy, and job security for deminers throughout the year.

At the press conference, it was emphasized that deminers currently receive a pension of 3,500 kuna, and we are requesting that it be increased to approximately 5,000 kuna. Since this concerns 70 to 80 people, the total cost to the state budget should not be excessive.

We want these regulations enshrined in law. These are not veteran pensions, but they are closely related, as they are earned under life-threatening conditions. Deminers also seek the adoption of an exit strategy, since Croatia is expected to be fully cleared of mines by 2026, leaving young deminers without work.

During the meeting with the Assistant Minister of the Interior, held shortly before the press conference, we requested support for the establishment of an interdepartmental working group including representatives from the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Labor and Pension System, and the Ministry of Finance to address these issues. While we understand that the strategy cannot be adopted within eight days, the state’s current approach to deminers after retirement is inadequate.

The Ministry of the Interior supported an increase in the minimum pension and the formation of the interdepartmental group, and also accepted the proposal that part of the demining work planned for next year be carried out this year. Novi sindikat stated that deminers were ready to protest but agreed to cancel it once their demands were formally accepted and guaranteed in writing, which has now occurred.