State Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture Andrija Delić stated that the Government and that department are doing everything to get out of the unenviable situation in which wood processors found themselves.
He announced this during a protest by woodworkers from Rožaj, Plav, Beran, Pljevlja and Bijelo Polje, who gathered in front of the Government building. The reason for the gathering is the tender that the Forestry Administration conducted for the provision of forests for use by selling wood in a deeper condition, which is why, they claim, a large part of them was discriminated against and eliminated from the process.
As they say, this will lead to a loss of millions for the state, and 500 workers could be out of a job.
Delić emphasized that he will do everything to preserve the north.
"There are indications of a solution to this problem. In the conversation with Minister Vladimir Joković, I am convinced that you will not run out of raw materials, because 500 workers and your families deserve to be able to earn a crust of bread. This situation came about because of the lack of communication, because this issue should have to speak before it happened," he said.
Delić pointed out that expert people are working on the solution and that it would be unanimous to present subjective solutions.
He stated that the deadline will be as soon as possible, and that the solution is being worked on persistently.
"I believe that before making a decision, all state authorities must consult with everyone in that chain. Similar situations should never happen again, because protests are the last measure and should be replaced by dialogue. When we come to a position, it will be presented." he emphasized.
Woodworker Ervin Kalač asked Prime Minister Milojko Spajić if five million euros and 500 workers who will lose their jobs are not enough, and why they are not allowed to do what their ancestors did.
"We invite those who were in the opposition before to come out and say whether this tender is corrupt or not. We invite Spajić and Joković to receive us and we will continue with the protests," said Kalač.
Wood processor Milko Čabarkapa from Pljevlja said that this is a discriminatory tender, because his price as a local resident of 72 euros means nothing to companies from Podgorica that offer 52 euros.
He explained that it was a difficult job and that they already had unfair competition in "Vektra Jakić".
"I tried to stay on my doorstep, every worker did the same, and I think that with the closure of my company, they will all move," said Čabarkapa.
He pointed out that they have already tried to come to an agreement with the director of the Management Board, Miloš Rajković and Joković, but that neither they nor Spajić are asking for resignations, but they want an outstretched hand and an agreement.
"They have to withdraw and we will withdraw," he concluded.
His colleague from Pljevlja Vukoman Marić stated that their rights were violated and that they have knowledge that the tender was made by the forest mafia.
"We did not come to spit and destroy careers like Rajković is doing, we see in him a man who does not do his job properly. We know that the Government has big problems, we do not want to be part of them. We have exhausted all possibilities, but all doors are open was closed," added Marić.
He emphasized that they are asking for the tender to be canceled and repeated, and for it to be similar to the one from three years ago, when there was agreement from all actors.
"Whoever is behind this tender is part of the forest mafia," he concluded.
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