MINISTER CALLS ON TEACHERS UNION TO DISCONTINUE STRIKE

ZAGREB, Jan 14 (Hina) - Croatian Education and Sports Minister Vladimir Strugar said on Tuesday that the number of teachers on strike was decreasing, which he said proved that the strike in primary schools had failed. The minister called on the Croatian Teachers Union (SHU) to discontinue the strike, which started on Monday. #L# Based on information collected in 835 primary schools, 72.7% of schools were opened this morning, in 21.2% of schools some of the staff were working, while the staff in 6.1% of schools were on strike, Strugar said at a news conference. The minister reminded that 68% of schools were opened yesterday, in 24% of schools some classes were organised, while the staff in eight percent of schools was on strike. According to the ministry, 78.8% of teachers worked today, 17.2% were on strike, while the others were justifiably absent. "The strike did not succeed. The Education Ministry did not start the strike and cannot decide on its cessation. That can be done only by the union and it would be the only right decision," Strugar said. Time spent on strike will have to be made up for and the strikers will not be paid for hours spent on strike, the minister repeated. Assistant Minister Ivan Vavra dismissed as "misinformation" claims that the police had exerted pressure on the strikers. Commenting on claims about a strike in secondary schools, to be organised on Wednesday, Strugar said he had notified principals that they did not have the right to ban anyone from striking, just as they could not ban anyone from working. He called on secondary school students to attend classes tomorrow. Secondary school teachers will not be paid for the time spent on strike either, Strugar said. (hina) rml