It would be better to abolish trade unions rather than collective agreements, several unionists told the press criticising plans which Finance Minister Ivan Suker outlined yesterday about the alteration of Article 262 of the Labour Act.
This article has so far made it possible for workers to exercise their rights upon the expiry of collective agreements until the conclusion of new ones, they said warning that the altered legislation would enable employers to adopt labour relations rulebooks which suit only them.
Union leader Spomenka Avbersek also warned that the government was planning to change the legislation's segment stipulating the consents of workers' representatives in decision-making about dismissals from work.
This is no longer only a problem concerning 240,000 public sector employees but also every worker in Croatia, she said.
Although on Thursday trade union leaders threatened to stage a general strike in the event of the cancellation of Article 262 of the Labour Act, they were more cautious with their words today when they said that it should be estimated whether this form of industrial action was feasible.
They pointed the accusing finger at Minister Suker branding him as the main obstacle in efforts to seek compromise and possible agreement between unions and the government.
On Thursday, the government invited union federation leaders to negotiations on Article 262 of the Labour Act, but they declined, demanding to previously hold talks with Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor.
According to unofficial information, the talks could be held early next week.