The Republic of Srpska's prime minister and government officials met with trade union representatives this week to discuss paying debts to budget beneficiaries, according to a report on the government's website.

"The point is that all pending obligations for the current year, the salary and corresponding allowances shall be paid regularly whereas the debt from the previous period should be divided into 18 equal shares and each 18th part shall be paid together with the regular monthly salary in 2017," Prime Minister Cvijanovic said.

Cvijanovic also said that employees who filed a lawsuit should be allowed to choose whether to stick with the suit or accept a proposal that's offered if the unions also accept it. According to the report, she also said she felt the unions could reach a decision within 10 days and form a group to determine what steps to take next.