ZAGREB, Jan 16 (Hina) - The Croatian Doctors' Union continues with the strike it began yesterday, journalists were told on Thursday, when the union announced a further reduction of hospital services next week.
ZAGREB, Jan 16 (Hina) - The Croatian Doctors' Union continues with
the strike it began yesterday, journalists were told on Thursday,
when the union announced a further reduction of hospital services
next week. #L#
Besides mandatory care in emergency cases and for in-patients, next
week will likely see the cancellation of all cases which are not
urgent. The union will decide on this on Saturday.
It said the scope of work for coroners would probably be reduced
next week as well.
Union president Ivica Babic today accused the Health Ministry of
misinforming the public with claims that yesterday's strike had
flopped.
The turnout was 90 percent and doctors, in line with instructions,
reduced their work and wore union badges, he said, adding the
turnout in the continuation of the strike was expected to be even
higher.
Strike committees in some hospitals have requested the resignation
of Health Minister Andro Vlahusic but a final decision on the matter
will be made by the central strike committee this Saturday, said
Babic.
He said the union stuck by its demands and wanted to rectify the
injustice done to doctors, by seeking a 28 percent pay increase.
"The 10 percent wage increase offered by Minister Vlahusic doesn't
suit us, and we shall participate in... collective bargaining,"
said Babic.
The doctors' union has not been invited to negotiations in
connection with the strike. Negotiations on a basic collective
agreement for the health sector which have been going on for some
time continued at the Health Ministry today.
(hina) ha sb