ZAGREB, Feb 28 (Hina) - The Croatian parliament ended this week's sitting with a debate on government-sponsored draft amendments to the Labour Act. MPs were unanimous in their conclusion that dialogue among social partners should
continue to achieve a compromise.
ZAGREB, Feb 28 (Hina) - The Croatian parliament ended this week's
sitting with a debate on government-sponsored draft amendments to
the Labour Act. MPs were unanimous in their conclusion that
dialogue among social partners should continue to achieve a
compromise. #L#
MPs of the opposition accused the ruling coalition of cheating
unions to reduce workers' rights, to which coalition members
replied some rights had to be curbed to increase employment.
The opposition also accused the government of having done nothing
to protect workers and increase employment.
In response, government members cited a number of passed measures
which, they said, benefited workers and decreased unemployment.
Josip Leko of the coalition's Social Democrats (SDP) pointed to the
necessity of changing the Labour Act because, as he put it,
continuing the present situation would not contribute to economic
and employment growth.
Speaking about part-time employment, he said the structure and
goals of current production should be established so that such a
form of employment in all forms could be applied under certain
conditions and deadlines, such as work on a certain project or
seasonal jobs.
Jadranka Kosor of the opposition's Croatian Democratic Union
warned that moved provisions on part-time employment would
aggravate the, even today, bad position of women on the labour
market.
Petar Zitnik of the coalition's Croatian Peasants Party stated that
the amendments did not go hand in hand with what labour minister
Davorko Vidovic had proclaimed, and suggested that the changes not
be passed until consensus was reached on the issue.
Vidovic called on unions and employers to make suggestions to the
government about a final text of the law which would be favourable
to all.
"Social dialogue is being held and the government is open in all
aspects of its work to the public and its social partners", said
Vidovic.
Vidovic described as "paranoia without any real basis" accusations
by some opposition MPs that the government was drawing up
amendments to the law under pressure from the international
community and against the interests of workers.
The parliament will continue its 30th session on Wednesday with a
vote on the said amendments to the Labour Act, either accepting them
into first reading or treating them just an introductory debate.
(hina) lml