Prishtina, 18.01.2013 – “Rights of all company employees will be protected in the final phase of the KEDS privatization process and its entry into operation”, stated Minister of Economic Development, Besim Beqaj, in a meeting with a delegation of the KEDS Union, and the President of the Union of Independent Trade Unions of Kosova, Haxhi Arifi, and President of the Independent Trade Union of Distribution and Supply, Fehmi Pajaziti.

The meeting was also attended by the Chairman of the Board of the Regulatory Office, Chairman of the KEK Board, KEK Managing Director, and Chairman of the KEDS Board.

Minister Beqaj gave assurance to the representatives of the Union on the guarantees of the process, and stated that Kosovo laws and privatization contract will be fully respected.

On this occasion Minister Beqaj stated that according to the privatization contract all employees are guaranteed three-year contracts, and that the Labor Law will be respected by the privatized company.

The Minister also emphasized that the monitoring and implementation of the privatization contract will be done by the Energy Regulatory Office, an institution which is accountable to the Assembly.

The meeting was also used to discuss dilemmas and concerns of employees, and an agreement was reached for close and comprehensive cooperation with the KEDS Board, and its CEO, with the aim of realizing the objectives addressed in the privatization process, ensuring the protection of all rights of employees in line with the law and the privatization contract.