ZAGREB, Jan 15 (Hina) - A total of 7,363 workers took part in Wednesday's high school strike, according to the Independent Union of High School Employees, but the Education and Sports Ministry claimed the number of employees in the
sector who observed the strike was 5,235.
ZAGREB, Jan 15 (Hina) - A total of 7,363 workers took part in
Wednesday's high school strike, according to the Independent Union
of High School Employees, but the Education and Sports Ministry
claimed the number of employees in the sector who observed the
strike was 5,235. #L#
The union has members in 333 of 416 high schools in Croatia.
According to data collected by 4 p.m., workers went on strike in 215
schools.
The union said the strike succeeded entirely and that the turnout
would have been higher if the ministry had not branded it illegal
and instructed principals that time spent on strike would not be
paid.
According to ministry data collected by 5 p.m., full classes were
held in 233 high schools, partially in 108 schools, while 53 schools
were on full strike. Twenty-seven percent of those employed in the
sector were on strike, while 68 percent worked. Five percent had a
justified reason to be absent from work.
The union had organised the strike seeking a 14 percent average pay
increase for teachers and of 20 percent for the non-teaching staff.
The union claimed that by raising wages selectively, the employer
had deepened the difference in pays.
(hina) ha sb