ZAGREB, Feb 25 (Hina) - Representatives of union federations on Tuesday held talks with the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Croatian Bloc (HB) party benches about draft amendments to the Labour Act which the parliament should debate
on Friday.
ZAGREB, Feb 25 (Hina) - Representatives of union federations on
Tuesday held talks with the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and
Croatian Bloc (HB) party benches about draft amendments to the
Labour Act which the parliament should debate on Friday. #L#
After the meeting, which was also attended by Labour and Welfare
Minister Davorko Vidovic, the leader of the Federation of
Independent Trade Unions of Croatia, Davor Juric, said the minister
had for the first time mentioned the possibility of negotiating
about some contentious issues such as dismissal notices, severance
pay and temporary employment contracts.
This makes one hopeful about the adoption of compromise solutions,
which could satisfy the sponsor of the bill, unions, workers, "and
employers who have always been privileged in the past several
years," Juric said, adding though that it was too soon to speak
about views being brought closer.
He did, however, voice confidence that the procedure of adopting
the amendments would "be conducted in a satisfactory manner".
Last week unions requested that instead of the first reading in
parliament, an introductory discussion be held to provide social
partners with more time to harmonise stances on disputable issues.
Two parliament committees discussed this today, but failed to reach
any conclusions.
After the meeting with unionists, Vidovic said he believed that
there was no need for an introductory discussion in parliament.
There is no sense in loitering, Vidovic said, adding that agreement
could be reached relatively quickly, although it did not seem so at
the moment.
Between the first and second readings, the government would prepare
some other draft compensatory measures, Vidovic said, adding he
would see that all measures necessary to protect the workers'
security be adopted before the adoption of the bill.
Asked about a possible compromise regarding dismissal notices and
severance pay, Vidovic said nothing in the bill could be below the
European standard, but "there is no reason to exceed it either".
The minister said compensation solutions were good, although they
would cost tax payers, however, this was another attempt to
stimulate employers to create new jobs.
The HB bench issued a press release after meeting the unionists, in
which it states that the party believes it necessary to find a
compromise solution which will reduce employers' expenses, but
also protect citizens and guarantee them social security.
(hina) lml