ZAGREB, Jan 21 (Hina) - The Croatian Labour and Social Welfare Ministry on Tuesday rejected objections by union federations to a bill of amendments to the Labour Act. Unions are continuing to demand that the government back down from
the bill, or they will be compelled to organise a general strike.
ZAGREB, Jan 21 (Hina) - The Croatian Labour and Social Welfare
Ministry on Tuesday rejected objections by union federations to a
bill of amendments to the Labour Act. Unions are continuing to
demand that the government back down from the bill, or they will be
compelled to organise a general strike. #L#
The union federations are particularly opposed to decreased
severance pays, decreased notice periods, equating permanent and
temporary employment, and the increased number of employees (from
10 to 20) with small employers who have the right to dismiss workers
without having to secure a redundancy programme.
In its response, the Labour Ministry points out that severance pays
are in fact damages and should not be an disproportionate burden on
employers. Nevertheless, leeway should be given to adapt them
through agreements, the Ministry believes.
The purpose for the shortened notice periods is to decrease fixed
costs that affect employers' opportunities to adapt to market
conditions, which means more jobs and greater economic growth, said
the Ministry.
It claims that the proposed solution for temporary employment will
strengthen the position of workers so employed. If employees are to
be employed temporarily for more than three years then this should
be considered as permanent employment.
The proposed changes to provisions regarding small employers,
compared to the current law, preclude the possibility of dismissal
without a justified notice period. Croatia needs to reach leading
transition countries where small employers are responsible for
creating 50 percent of new job opportunities, while Croatia's
employers barely account for 40 per cent, said the Ministry.
It assesses that the proposed labour legislation reform will result
in a more dynamic labour market, greater employment opportunities,
and a higher level of rights for the unemployed to be achieved by
increasing unemployment allowances and extending the period of
eligibility for allowances.
The unions are adamant that the government should refrain from the
proposed bill until an independent judiciary is set up, until it
ensured the payment of wages and the protection of employees who
lose their jobs. If not, the unions threaten with a general strike.
(hina) sp/ha sb