BSPK Calls for Stronger Safety Measures at KEK: A Worker’s Life Is Not Negotiable

The Kosovo Independent Trade Union Federation (BSPK) has called for higher standards of occupational safety and health at KEK, insisting that accidents must be prevented through concrete measures rather than addressed only after they occur.

On Monday, BSPK Chairman Atdhe Hykolli held a meeting with the leadership of the Kosovo Energy Corporation, together with representatives of the Independent Energy Trade Union of Kosovo (SPEK). The discussions focused on fatal workplace accidents and ways to improve safety.

During the meeting, Hykolli called for more specialized monitoring, periodic health checks, appropriate protective equipment, regular maintenance and professional training for staff.

BSPK and SPEK also proposed establishing a professional structure tasked with preventing accidents, as well as strengthening KEK’s Training Center.

According to KEK, workplace safety measures have been increased, professional training has been expanded and workers are undergoing regular medical examinations. The corporation announced that, in the event of a worker losing his life at the workplace, his family receives permanent financial support equivalent to the monthly salary he received.

BSPK described this support as important for families, but stressed that the main priority must be preventing loss of life.

“The death of a worker at the workplace must not be politicized. Every fatal case requires a professional investigation, institutional accountability and concrete preventive measures,” Hykolli said.

The discussions also covered protective equipment, workers’ meals, guarantees of financial support for those injured and the need to establish employment relations through a collective agreement.

The parties agreed that cooperation would continue and that the issues raised would be addressed further.

“A worker’s life is not negotiable. His safety cannot be postponed. His death must not be politicized,” the BSPK statement concludes.