Sindikata is the confederation of trade unions of Bosnia-Hercegovina. JENNY MEES of International Workers Aid spoke to SULEJMAN HRLE (president), IVAN BULE (member of the union presidency) and KEMAL MULALIC (International relations department) on May Day in Sarajevo. J.M. What is the meaning of this May Day for Bosnian workers. S.H. In March three of us. got out of Sarajevo and visited France, Germany and Belgium. In Brussels we met officials of international. union federations - and also you.
We are very glad you made it to Sarajevo. We appreciate it more because you made it on your own and are a symbol of rank and file European trade unionists engaged in concrete aid for us. 1.B. In Brussels we proposed a demonstration in Sarajevo as an appeal to the world against aggression, for peace and for respect for labour. This demonstration is very important because we have had no support whatsoever till now. J. M. What is the role of the trade unions now in Bosnia-Hercegovina? S.H. Our duty is fighting aggression. A lot of workers are on the frontlines. Those that stay behind are engaged in all sorts of tasks.
Life is very difficult, just getting enough to eat is a big task. But, you saw yourself, in factories still producing people work without pay in unspeakably difficult conditions.
Many have died in workplaces. Teachers, medical staff, social workers are essential for keeping society going. Nobody gets any payment and nobody demands it.
The union cannot ask for better conditions and payment for them, that is impossible; we do have duties organising humanitarian aid for our membership. K.M.
For the immediate future our main task is rebuilding the social and economic intrastructure. 80 percent of L industry and communications are destroyed! Agricuiture is in a difficult situation: we have no resources, no seeds. Afterwards our task will be, like yours, defending rights and living conditions of workers. J.M. Have European unions been active enough providing aid and solidarity? S.H. No. We got good wishes and nice words but no real help. We need resources for our industry to get going again: we have no spare parts, no raw materials, no fuel. K.M. In Brussels we proposed every member of the Supplies brought to Tuzla by the IWA convoys have been international union federations give 1 Deutschmark for a BiH trade union fund? Do you think this is possible? J. M. If the leadership organises a broad campaign to explain it to the members it can work. It would be a real act of solidarity. But it is important the members have a say in how funds are spent, and can also engage in direct links with Bosnian unions. S.M. I agree. Please under-: stand we don't want to be dependent on aid, we really dislike it, but we have no essential choice.
We can't afford to be so proud as to say 'we will do it all on our own' because we have nothing, not even food and clothing. Here in Sarajevo everybody would have died without UNHCR and other humanitarian organisations.
But now it is possible to start anew, there is the peace with Croatian forces and the building of a federation with Croatia. We have great hopes. I.B. We thank you. It is enough what you have al-. ready done. We know how difficult it is to organise help. Just to come here, to take this May Day so seriously, is important for us.