Due to the non-payment of July salaries, several employees of Radio Television of Kosovo (RTK) staged a protest today in front of the Assembly of Kosovo, demanding their legal right to allocated funds.
Although August 5 was the final date for July salaries to be disbursed, approximately 700 RTK employees remain unpaid.
During the protest, workers held signs with slogans such as:
“RTK won’t stay silent”,
“Journalist without pay = Democracy without voice”,
“Don’t silence the public voice”,
“Budget is not a privilege, it’s a legal right”,
“Don’t destroy the public broadcaster”,
“RTK belongs to the people, not politics”,
“RTK workers are not victims of the crisis”.
Gëzim Bimbashi, Chairman of the RTK Workers’ Union (SPERTK), stated that this crisis stems from the failure to pass the new RTK Law and the lack of independent and sustainable financing.
Bimbashi called for the immediate allocation of funds, the completion of RTK’s Board by the new Parliament, the announcement of a public competition for the position of General Director (in line with legal procedures), and an increase in the 2026 budget, including salary increases.
He stressed that over 700 families are currently without income, facing severe financial hardship, loan burdens, and rising living costs.
Furthermore, Bimbashi warned that strikes, protests in front of RTK, and boycotts of political events are all possible if their demands are not met.
Meanwhile, Xhemajl Rexha, President of the Association of Journalists of Kosovo (AGK), expressed strong and full support for RTK employees.
He emphasized AGK’s call for RTK workers to continue their duties free from political and financial pressure.
Rexha also stated that the current situation was avoidable and urged the institutions to take immediate action.
