UNIONS OBJECT TO GOVERNMENT'S WAGE POLICY

ZAGREB, March 21 (Hina) - Five union federations have refused to sign an agreement on a three-year government wage policy, maintaining the government was acting contrary to the Labour Act and International Labour Organisation conventions. The federations' leaders on Wednesday requested that the government revoke a conclusion whereby collective negotiations were made conditional on the adoption of the three-year wage policy agreement. They concluded the government should urge management boards in public and state companies to launch collective negotiations with the unions active in said companies, and that the government itself should start negotiations with unions of workers employed in public and state services. The union leaders expect the government to take a position before the Economic and Social Council (GSV) convenes next Wednesday. The GSV session should debate the state and prospects of social dialogue in Croatia. The union leaders expect the government to brief them in detail about a recently signed arrangement with the International Monetary Fund and this year's measures of the economic and social policy. (hina) ha sb