Bosnia and Herzegovina: Various Amendments to FBIH Labor Laws

Various amendments have been made to the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH) labor law. Overall most commentators view the changes as being favorable to employees.

The changes include:

• Employers that have an employment rulebook must prescribe procedures for the employment of new employees, which can include the procedure for advertising a vacancy, required terms of employment, any applicable documentation, and a designated individual who is authorized to make decisions on the selection of the best candidate for the employer.
• Vacancies must be advertised when in the public sector (including agencies, institutions, directorates, administrative organizations and companies in which the FBiH, canton, city, or municipality hold more than 50 percent of the share capital).
• New employees are entitled to a copy of the application for compulsory insurance relating to them on the day of commencement of employment.
• New employees must be registered with the competent tax authority no later than the day before the commencement of employment.
• Employees must now address potential claims with their employers before litigating over workplace issues (with the exception of cases involving termination).

Comment

Employers may want to ensure they are aware of the details of the amendments and update their policies, practices, and documents accordingly.

Written by Nihad Sijerčić and Nevena Tomić Lučić in cooperation with Karanovic & Partners Limited and Roger James of Ogletree Deakins

© 2019 Karanovic & Partners and Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak and Stewart, P.C.