ZAGREB, Jan 24 (Hina) - Representatives of the Croatian Doctors' Union (HLS) and the Health Ministry stated on Friday night that they had harmonised their stands to a great extent and that they could reach agreement on union demands
this weekend, putting an end to the doctors' strike.
ZAGREB, Jan 24 (Hina) - Representatives of the Croatian Doctors'
Union (HLS) and the Health Ministry stated on Friday night that they
had harmonised their stands to a great extent and that they could
reach agreement on union demands this weekend, putting an end to the
doctors' strike. #L#
"The talks were quite successful and we came to agreement on more
than 95% of issues while a final agreement could be signed after
tomorrow's meeting," Health Minister Andro Vlahusic told
journalists following a four-hour meeting at the ministry.
Once the agreement is signed, we expect the strike to end so that
citizens could go to hospital normally as of Monday, Vlahusic said
but declined to comment on what the two sides had agreed on.
"We managed to find a compromise solution and details will be
discussed tomorrow," Vlahusic said.
HLS president Ivica Babic was optimistic as well, stating that the
union and ministry had harmonised their stands to a significant
extent.
Following consultations with the strikers' committee and
attorneys, we will specify the details of the agreement, however,
the strike will continue until the agreement is signed, Babic
said.
The HLS demands a 45% increase in doctors' salaries as well as the
signing of a collective agreement. In previous negotiations the
government offered a 10% salary increase with bonuses for
extraordinary working conditions and a branch collective agreement
with an annex on doctors' rights. The strike began on January 15.
(hina) sp rml