UNIONS CRITICISE GOVT. OVER HIGHER ELECTRICITY PRICES

ZAGREB, Oct 7 (Hina) - The Croatian Power Industry (HEP) did not deceive the government regarding the new system of electricity tariffs but rather the government deceived the public claiming that electricity prices would not go up, unions have said, warning that they may increase pressure on the government. #L# It is ridiculous to claim that the HEP tricked the government, as Labour and Social Welfare Minister Davorko Vidovic says, because the government should have known what the consequences of introducing any new tariffs would be, the president of the Independent Trade Unions of Croatia (NHS), Kresimir Sever, told Hina on Monday. The HEP is a state-owned company and if it indeed did deceive the government regarding the effects of the new tariff system, it means the government is incompetent, Sever pointed out. The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Croatia (SSSH) will forward a demand to the government to urgently set up a group to monitor the effects of the increase in electricity prices and inform the public about its findings within 15 days. The union also demands that the government return the old tariff system. "What we know so far is that electricity charges have increased for 29,000 citizens who have tripple-tarrif electricity meters, however, we do not know how much other consumers will have to pay," SSSH president Davor Juric said. The Association of Workers' Trade Unions of Croatia (URSH) will propose that unions urge the government through the Economic- Social Council to correct the tariff system and adopt measures to alleviate the consequences of the increase in electricity prices. The NHS, however, recommends that the government be presented with an ultimatum to extend the time during which electricity is charged less. If union federations can agree on a joint protest against increased electricity prices, the government will have to give in, the unions said. (hina) sp rml sb