On Tuesday, the government adopted a decree on an additional 10 percent rise in the salaries of physicians and dentists for this year. The government, however, declined to apply the collective agreement for doctors and dentists until a competent court decides on whether the agreement was in line with the law. Two other trade unions of employees in the health sector have initiated court proceedings, claiming that the conclusion of that collective agreement was unlawful. Subsequently the government agreed with this standpoint.
"We will go on strike as the collective agreement will not be applied which provides for other kinds material and other rights," Babic said after the main strike committee held a session today.
He added that on Friday the committee would propose to the HLS assembly to confirm the decision on the start of the strike on 11 April.
Health Minister Neven Ljubicic said today that in case of the strike all necessary measures would be taken in order to protect patients.