Thousands Protest in Sarajevo Against Labor Law Amendments – Reports

MOSCOW (Sputnik) —Thousands of protesters gathered on Thursday outside the Parliament Building in Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, to oppose the adoption of new EU-recommended labor law amendments that would reduce workers' rights, the Dnevnik newspaper reported.

The law is being adopted to help Bosnia and Herzegovina's application to join the European Union, according to the government. The protesters argue that the amendment will not improve the labor situation in the country.

The activists are demanding that local trade union representatives be permitted to assist in the drafting of the new law, the news outlet said. The proposed amendment established a simplified procedure for firing employees.

The protesters blocked the main street of the Bosnian capital. No clashes have been recorded during the rally, according to local police.

Bosnia and Herzegovina has been a potential candidate for EU membership since 2003.

In March, the European Commission said that Sarajevo needs to show significant progress, including by creating new work places, before Brussels will consider the Bosnian application to accede to the union.