The fundamental value set out in our platform is a CTUB&H member and his/her natural right to work. In order to translate this right into practice a great amount of continuous work is needed to accomplish basic human and civilizational ideals as seen by the modern humanistic thought, such as: peace, freedom, tolerance, solidarity, equity, justice and respect for the natural environment. All these values are the path towards safety and wellbeing of any individual, therefore of any CTUB&H member as well.

1.1. Members` Role in Democratic Processes

A worker (CTUB&H member) must be an actual creator of social interaction which shall be designed to fit his/her needs in the framework of solidarity. The union as an organization is the agent in this process, the coordinator and service provider (public services) which articulates, protects and promotes the legitimate interests of members in the spirit of democracy and transparency.

Inclusion of all levels of union activity in the preparation and decision-making processes is the underlying principle set out in the Acts of the CTUB&H. This principle contributes to the efficiency of union policies, strengthening of democratization process in the organization, control, decentralization and immediate legitimation of the CTUB&H representatives` governance.

Instead of mere governance, we are seeking for and emphasizing the importance of accountability towards the members, transparency in decision-making and access to information so that members are able to evaluate and estimate the actual efficiency of the services that the CTUB&H and its representatives provide and, if needed, resort to specialized mechanisms for revocation of trust they have given them.

We advocate “collective governance in the Commercial Trade Union”. There are five principles in that governance scheme:

Openness (active communication between the CTU and members),

Participation (in key decision-making),

Efficacy (implementation of promises and arrangements),

Accountability (for failing to carry out an arrangement) and

Coherence (between the policies and activities needed in the fulfillment of members` needs)

The principles of “collective governance” and “reformed Commercial Trade Union of B&H” demand for a constant coordination between all appointed representatives and members on all levels, which is the  direct consequence of pursing the principles of openness and accountability, that is, continual consulting and (cultural)  dialogue along the CTUB&H-members line. Hence, the members of the CTUB&H are at the same time the catalyst and arbitrator of collective governance in the CTUB&H”.

1.2. Social Justice and Equal Opportunities for All

Our starting premise is that “all human beings are created equal” and they are born free and live free and are equal in their rights, as it is laid down in the Preamble of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights”. In the spirit of political and public equity we advocate social justice as a constitutive element in a society of equal opportunities granted by laws.

We advocate a society in which every man and woman, regardless of their social situation, shall have an opportunity (chance) to develop their skills, acquire knowledge and seek employment in line with that.

The principle of “equal opportunities” is not some artificial method of equalization, but way of offering every citizen an equal share of opportunity to accomplish their life designs and plans within their capabilities and knowledge. We advocate the principle of “free market of possibilities” for all, and we are fighting corruption, bribe and protecting “the chosen ones” who have gained their social status through nepotism or personal connections. People differ in their competences and aspirations and they should be given the opportunities to develop those and be rewarded by being appointed to the social and professional positions they deserve.

The sick and all other persons with special needs must be a responsibility of the society, must receive equal legal treatment and equal services. Freedom and equality are complementary values and ideals of a free society that we are fighting for. This coincides with the ideal of a society of equal opportunities where knowledge and capabilities of every individual are valued.

1.3. Decentralization

Decentralization which we advocate stands for the non-acceptance of the traditional notion of a union boss. The principle of decentralization is the expression of an anti-totalitarian set of values which open the door to emancipation, intelligence, rights and freedom of thought in line with the needs and problems of the local levels of CTUB&H organization.

Instead of ethnocentripental societies and ideologies, we stand for a centrifugal approach to life with more than one center of governance (instead of a single one which exerts all power). These centers are the expression of local social contexts and needs and the idealistic, cultural, and interest diversity among union communities.

We opt for a polycentric, pluralistic organization which shall constantly harmonize its crucial existential needs with the democratic needs, having in mind the needs on the local levels. The plurality in the union, freedom and democracy for members as individuals are the values with which we confront the ideas of totalitarianism and ethnic homogenization.

Our notion of freedom, equality and justice for all has in its core the idea of the intense development of the social, political and pluralism of values. This is possible only through education of the members who understand and seek for their rights and also accept all the liabilities which arise from them. This is namely the proportional right of the Other and Others to all the rights that we ourselves are fighting for individually and collectively.

1.4. Tolerance

Tolerance is firstly the power of accepting the Other (Others) in spite of all differences that divide us (nationality, ideas, religion, profession, sex, age, etc.). Therefore, tolerance is a virtue (in moral definition) and the key value of mutual existence in diversity (political definition).

In existential terms, we want tolerance to be our guiding principle in our work and the guardian of our freedom and freedom of those whose ideas differ from ours. Freedom of thought and discussion must be given i.e. granted to all.

Tolerance is the system which serves as the common denominator of all interaction among the free and equal individuals and groups. Equal rights for all is the fundamental idea of tolerance in political terms, thus we use the inviolable principle of equality as our fundamental principle too.

Additionally, we accept the “tolerance paradox” and that is the justification for refusing to tolerate the actions of the intolerant (violent). To tolerate intolerance means to acknowledge it. Refraining from the legal repression measures against the violators and criminals would mean refraining from freedom, equality and justice as the fundamental social values we are fighting for.

1.5. Respecting Differences

Recognizing and respecting differences in complex organizations such as the CTUB&H is the key to its existence. Accepting differences is possible only if we understand them and see them as an advantage, that is, one of our core values.

Only such perception of life can lead to putting into practice values such as collective spirit, tolerance, freedom and decentralization.

1.6. Individual and collective accountability

The question of individual and collective accountability is seen as two links in a chain which guarantees the success of an organization which is established in good will of its members. Every CTUB&H member is equally accountable for complying with the provisions set out by the Statute in their work, activities, public behaviors and other ways of expressing their will, thus contributing to its strengthening and development. Collective accountability means collective decision-making on principles and processes, implementation and evaluation and as such it is one of the key tools in the work of the CTUB&H.

1.7. All-Bosnian and Herzegovinian Character

Our organization is pro-Bosnian (Bosnian and Herzegovinian). The whole country and its citizens who are employed in the commercial and services sectors, regardless of their work status, age, sex, nationality and place of work and residence, as well as students, pensioners and every person who recognizes the CTUB&H and its values  and program by becoming a member, are our target groups.

Our core values and objectives matter to all. No person is singled out or given privilege.

Everything we stand for and advocate matters to all.

This Union belongs to all of us equally.

All rights and liabilities are our rights and liabilities.

1.8. Orientation Towards Future

We look onwards, as the nature of our bodies dictates. Our eyes are in our faces, not in the back of our heads. We leave the past to history (in the name of science) and courts (in the name of justice). As contemporaries of the world which seeks to unite rationally, despite all differences, we move forward- into a better future. Where the community of people (The European Union) is molding its living space, lifestyle and working models through conventions, agreements and mutual respect.

The CTUB&H is a part of the global union movement and as such sees its role and place as an integral part of that movement.

It is the logic of existence and dignity of work for all commercial workers in B&H.