EMPLOYERS, UNIONISTS SUPPORT GOVT'S EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMMES

ZAGREB, Jan 9 (Hina) - Employers and four union federations on Wednesday gave their support to six government programmes for the employment of 37,000 people, the implementation of which requires 1.2 billion kuna (approx. US$145 million) within the next five years. Employers assessed the subsidising of new employment as positive. The unionists are satisfied with the government's assurance that the stimulation measures will not reflect on a decrease of workers' rights. "The Croatian Employers' Union (HUP) is willing to get involved in the implementation of the programmes, bearing in mind the damaging consequences of unemployment and Croatia openness to international competition", a HUP representative, Herman Seidl, said. He particularly commended the fact that the programmes refer to several groups of the unemployed - young educated people, middle- aged people with work experience, war veterans, and the disabled. Labour and Social Welfare Minister Davorko Vidovic assessed the programmes as ambitious and realistic as measures for their implementation have been worked out and funds secured. "We have defined the intentions fully aware they will not solve the unemployment issue", Vidovic said, and added the programmes were only the starting point which should activate other factors. He also believes the programmes will have both psychological and motivating effects on the entire society. Premier Ivica Racan attended the three-hour meeting of the representatives of the government, the employers and the unions. (hina) np