The Independent Trade Union of Forestry, Wood Processing and Paper of Bosnia and Herzegovina (SSŠPDPBIH) held its 8th Congress on 31 October in Sarajevo (Ilidža). It was a special occasion for the 90 participants, including shop stewards, workplace activists, social partners, and guests representing sister unions from Serbia and the Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI), which marked SSŠPDPBIH's 120th anniversary this year.

Frode Alfheim, President of Styrke, the Norwegian trade union for the industry and energy sectors, greeted the Congress participants with a video message.

Lejla Ćatić was re-elected as President for another mandate. Members of the Supervisory Board, Statutory Commission, and Executive Board of SSŠPDPBIH were also elected, and amendments to the Union’s Statutes were adopted.

In her report, President Ćatić emphasised the significant achievement of 98 percent worker overage through eight collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) concluded over the past four years in both the public and private sectors. The Union is currently negotiating three additional CBAs. Education for young members, women, and trade union activists and functionaries remains a top priority. The Union allocated 8–10 percent of its budget to education and training activities during the previous congress period.

The Congress adopted the Program of Work for the 2026–2030 period, outlining the following priorities: a) Education of members through the Trade Union School; b) ensuring legal and material protection of members; c) Support in negotiating and concluding collective bargaining agreements; d) Providing opinions on company acts; e) Strengthening occupational health and safety; f) Supporting the introduction of modern technologies in the sector; and g) Enhancing cooperation with CITUBIH and sister unions in Bosnia and Herzegovina and in the region in the joint struggle for workers’ rights and protection.

Delegates also decided to launch several initiatives, including:

• Organising workers in FSC-certified companies, especially along the supply chain, initiating changes of laws at the canon level and in employment contracts;
• Strengthening cooperation with the Labor Inspection for continuous monitoring of working conditions;
• Enhancing collective bargaining and sectoral social dialogue; and
• Promoting investment in skills and vocational training for the future of the wood and forest sectors.

Representing BWI, Education Secretary Jasmin Redžepović congratulated the Union’s leadership on its outstanding achievements in signing, improving, and maintaining collective agreements in the wood and forest sectors. He also underlined the importance of joint engagement within the FSC framework to ensure compliance with standards of sustainable forest management and socially responsible business practices, with special emphasis on workers’ social rights among the hundreds of suppliers operating in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“The SSŠPDPBIH has set an inspiring example of how strong, democratic, and forward-looking unions can shape the future of decent work in the wood and forest industries,” said Redžepović. “Their commitment to collective bargaining, education, and sustainability shows the way forward—not just for Bosnia and Herzegovina, but for unions across the world.”

Finally, on behalf of the BWI, Redžepović received a letter of appreciation recognising BWI’s long-standing support and contribution to the development of trade unions in the forestry, wood, and paper industries in Bosnia and Herzegovina — a contribution that, as noted in the letter, is remembered and deeply appreciated.