NOVELTIES INTRODUCED FOR STATUS OF UNEMPLOYED

ZAGREB, May 4 (Hina) - The Association of Unemployed of Croatia (UNH) and the unemployed section of the Alliance of Independent Croatian Unions (SSSH) vary in assessments regarding the draft law on mediation in employment and rights during unemployment. The bill, drafted by the Labour and Social Welfare Ministry, stipulates that unemployed people who earn more than 900 kuna (less than US$100) a month by freelancing would be erased from the Croatian Employment Bureau evidence. The SSSH unemployed section applauded this provision because they hold that the problems of the unemployed will not be solved by the state, but by themselves. It is estimated that the new provision would sour the unemployed to exert more efforts into finding jobs, rather than waiting for social welfare. The UNH sees this provision as another one in a line of curbing the rights of Croatian citizens, especially those most in need of social assistance. The organisation is suggesting that a more favourable criterion for being erased from the unemployment bureau would be minimal salary of 1.250 kuna than the 900 kuna. Both societies hailed the provision by which mediation in employment, besides the Unemployment Bureau, would be carried out by other companies or people. The SSSH has already forwarded a request to the labour ministry for them to be allowed to perform such a function. (hina) lml sb