BSPK appeals for unity after tragedy at KEK: Families’ pain must not be exploited for confrontation

The Independent Trade Union Federation of Kosovo (BSPK) has reacted following the deaths of four workers of the Kosovo Energy Corporation (KEK), expressing its condolences to their families, colleagues and all the workers of the corporation.

In a statement to the media, BSPK called for the tragedy not to be turned into a means of conflict between trade unions or into attacks against particular individuals.

The union rejected statements by officials of the New KEK Trade Union who, according to BSPK, have attempted to portray the federation and its president as indifferent to workers’ safety and rights.

BSPK considers that the division and fragmentation of trade unions weaken workers’ representative power. According to the federation, trade union engagement must be demonstrated through the continuous identification of risks, the improvement of working conditions and the implementation of measures to prevent accidents.

In its reaction, BSPK said that the trade union organization from which the latest statements originated has not been part of it for more than two years. For this reason, according to BSPK, its representatives are not authorized to speak on behalf of the Independent Trade Union Federation of Kosovo.

BSPK also rejected the characterization of its president as “self-appointed,” emphasizing that he was elected through the unanimous vote of delegates at the BSPK’s IX Congress.

The Independent Trade Union Federation of Kosovo announced that it would continue its cooperation with the Independent KEK Trade Union, the Board of Directors and the corporation’s management, with the aim of improving safety and working conditions, as well as fulfilling workers’ demands.

“A worker is not protected by one trade unionist fighting another. A worker is protected when organized trade union power is directed against danger, injustice and any condition that undermines the right to safe work, dignity and life,” BSPK said in its reaction.