ZAGREB, April 30 (Hina) - Unions will mark May 1, international Labour Day, by holding protests against announced reductions of workers' rights in several Croatian towns.
ZAGREB, April 30 (Hina) - Unions will mark May 1, international
Labour Day, by holding protests against announced reductions of
workers' rights in several Croatian towns. #L#
Four union federations will hold the main protest in Zagreb's
Maksimir Park. Similar protests will be staged in Osijek, Rijeka,
Split, Dubrovnik, Karlovac, Koprivnica, and Virovitica.
The protests will be held under the motto "Change Yourselves, Not
the Labour Act". Alongside the usual banners and flags, unionists
will carry "yellow cards" to give the authorities for grave "fouls"
over workers' rights.
The unions have not invited the representatives of the authorities
to Maksimir, so most of them will not attend.
Of the three top state officials, only President Stjepan Mesic will
come to the park, although not in his state function.
The government and parliament have confirmed that Prime Minister
Ivica Racan and Parliament President Zlatko Tomcic will not be
there.
Some government members will attend Labour Day celebrations
outside Zagreb.
The ruling coalition's Social Democrats have confirmed their
members will be at Maksimir Park as no one can ban them from
attending.
The main protest in Zagreb will begin with a rally of union
commissioners in Ban Jelacic Square at 10 am.
Half an hour later, the leaders of the four union federations will
make addresses. The protesters will march for Maksimir at 11 am.
Unionists expect around 10,000 protesters will participate in the
march and 100,000 people attend at Maksmir.
Union leaders will speak at the park at noon. Celebrations will last
until 6 pm and feature musicians. In keeping with tradition, 10,000
servings of bean broth will be distributed.
(hina) ha sb