Kosovo: Special police units demand an increase in hazard compensation



Members of the special units of the Kosovo Police during their protest in front of the Government building. November 1, 2023. Photo courtesy: Gentiana Kadrija (RFE/RL)

Nov 1, 2023. Posted by  Balkan Periscope - Hellas

Pristina.

 

Members of the Kosovo Police’s Special Intervention Unit and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit staged a protest outside the Government building in Kosovo, calling for a reevaluation of job hazard categorization.

Last week, the Kosovo Government announced additional compensation for job hazards, categorized into seven groups.

A representative of these elite police units stated that their demands include being recognized as special units and included in the list of experts, having job hazards defined at 50% of the base salary, and receiving extra compensation for specific job conditions.

He also expressed hope that representatives of these units would meet with Kosovo’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti soon and that the Government would consider their demands.

These two units also expressed discontent about not being included in other additional compensation schemes.

Members of these police units are certified for counterterrorism, hostage rescue, and cases involving national security, specializing in handling explosive threats and bombs, according to the protesters’ representative.

He mentioned that these units intervene in situations where the hazard level is considered extreme.

“Moreover, these two units have consistently displayed high professionalism in executing their duties, successfully conducting numerous police operations over the years, particularly in the most sensitive regions of the country, continually safeguarding the state’s integrity and sovereignty,” said the protesters’ representative, all of whom wore masks.

Protesters revealed that their dissatisfaction dates back over a decade.

“In the beginning, the non-fulfillment of our demands was due to the absence of the Salary Law. However, even nine months after the approval of this law, our demands have not been considered. On the contrary, hazard categorization has decreased, and a specific increase we had enjoyed since 2010 has been completely revoked”.

On October 27, the Kosovo Government introduced additional compensation for members of the Kosovo Police.

The additional compensation is divided into seven categories, depending on police officials’ positions.

For elite units like the Special Intervention Unit, Rapid Response Unit, and Close Protection Unit, the additional compensation will be 150 euros above the base salary.

Meanwhile, for the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, the government announced that the additional compensation would be 120 euros.

The Government stated that these extra compensations would come into effect in November, coinciding with the implementation of the Salary Law.

Salaries for Kosovo Police officers start at 210 euros per month for police cadets and go up to over 1,500 euros per month for the General Director.

The Kosovo Police was established 24 years ago and currently has over 9,000 members with various ranks.

They do not have health or life insurance.

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