SISAK IRONWORKS EMPLOYEES CONTINUE PROTESTING

SISAK, Nov 22 (Hina) - Several hundred workers of the Sisak Ironworks and its plant in Caprag continued their protest at New Bridge in Sisak overnight despite rain and cold. They staged a protest demanding the payment of overdue salaries and the further functioning of the iron plant. #L# According to the leader of the co-ordinating body of unions, Mate Somic, several hundred most persistent, resolute and enduring workers, as he said, continued protesting, as they had nothing to lose. If the ironworks is to be shut down, 2,000 workers will become jobless, and some 10,000 citizens of Sisak will be deprived of sources for their subsistence level, Somic warned. Sisak without the ironworks is a dead city, he said and thanked local restaurants, bakers and other tradesman for providing the protesters with warm meals, bread and blankets last night. Somic said the protest would go on until the workers receive the assurances from the government that they would not be left without their employment. They also insist on the payment of late salaries until the company gets new owner, i.e. strategic partner. The co-ordinating body of unionists will hold a session in the course of the day. (hina) ms