Since 2010, a provision in the Public Sector Salary Law has been in effect, but it is expected to start being implemented this year, in 2025.
This refers to the 50% bonus for work performed during the weekend.
The sector that most frequently applies this is the security sector, specifically the Kosovo Police.
In fact, officials from this institution have sued the state for years for failing to fulfill this provision.
The notification that these bonuses will now be paid has been sent to each police officer this week. This was also confirmed by the Kosovo Police Union.
The law clearly specifies that, in addition to this bonus, public sector workers are entitled to other bonuses in various situations.
“Compensation according to paragraph 1 of this article is paid as a percentage of the base salary according to the relevant law, as follows: 20% per hour for on-call duty; 30% per hour for night shifts; 30% per hour for overtime work; 50% per hour for work on holidays; and 50% per hour for work on weekends,” says Article 36 of the Salary Law.
Visar Rrecaj, a former police officer now turned lawyer, says that the failure to implement this law until now has been unjust, especially for the Kosovo Police.
“The Kosovo Police, which is the law enforcement body, has failed to implement the law for itself and its own interests. This is unreasonable and absolutely unjust and unfair,” emphasized Visar Rrecaj – Lawyer, Former Police Officer.
He now represents several police officers who have filed lawsuits because they have not been compensated for extra work hours outside of regular working days and says this has happened very often.
“Lawsuits have been filed in the competent courts, and we are waiting for the hearings to be scheduled because these police officers had the legal right since the law has been in effect since 2010, and there has been no justification for its non-implementation until now,” said Rrecaj.
The Kosovo Police Union told the television station that the implementation of this provision of the salary law is expected to begin with the next month’s salary.
