ZAGREB, April 18 (Hina) - Croatian Labour and Welfare Minister Davorko Vidovic on Friday refuted claims by the Croatian Employers Association (HUP) that in its negotiations on changes to the Labour Act the government had given in to
unions, stating that the HUP's abadoning the talks was "a short break" and part of the employers' negotiating strategy.
ZAGREB, April 18 (Hina) - Croatian Labour and Welfare Minister
Davorko Vidovic on Friday refuted claims by the Croatian Employers
Association (HUP) that in its negotiations on changes to the Labour
Act the government had given in to unions, stating that the HUP's
abadoning the talks was "a short break" and part of the employers'
negotiating strategy. #L#
Vidovic told a news conference that this misunderstanding would be
solved, if not sooner, then next Friday, when the HUP and PM Ivica
Racan should hold talks.
Vidovic is convinced that the employers will return to the
negotiating table because he believes that the proposed changes
regarding severance pays and dismissal notification deadlines are
in their favour.
According to the new motion, instead of 21 salaries, the employer
will have to pay 11 months worth of salaries to a laid-off employee,
while the rest of the amount would be covered by the state.
"The Labour Act and all accompanying labour and social legislation
will be voted on in parliament, no matter what, but we will do
everything to reach a consensus with the social partners before
that," Vidovic said.
He added that the concept of the law would not change even if the
employers did not resume the negotiations.
The minister said that draft changes to the Labour Act and the Law on
the Fund for Workers' Claims would be forwarded to parliament in
May, while the rest of the laws from this set would be forwarded into
procedure before the parliament adjourns for the summer holidays.
(hina) lml sb