ZAGREB, Oct 15 (Hina) - Attempts to rescind some workers' rights through changes to the Labour Act will provoke a "strong reaction" among workers and unions, Croatian union leaders warned on Monday. "We shall call all unions and
workers to join in the struggle, I shall personally advocate the severest actions," warned Davor Juric, the president of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Croatia (SSSH).
ZAGREB, Oct 15 (Hina) - Attempts to rescind some workers' rights
through changes to the Labour Act will provoke a "strong reaction"
among workers and unions, Croatian union leaders warned on Monday.
"We shall call all unions and workers to join in the struggle, I
shall personally advocate the severest actions," warned Davor
Juric, the president of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions
of Croatia (SSSH).#L#
Juric, however, did not say precisely whether such tough actions
would include a general strike, but he said the unions should not
give up "without firing a shot".
The SSSH leader severely criticised employers, asserting they lied
when they said labour costs were too high owing to employees'
extensive rights.
We ask employers to finally start respecting the Labour Act, which
came into effect six months ago, as they still fail to pay
contributions and compensation for overtime and employ workers
illicitly, Juric asserted.
Another union leader, Boris Kunst, who is at the helm of the
Association of Trade Unions of Croatia (URSH), on Monday described
the proposed changes to the Labour Act as unacceptable.
He added those alterations would not enhance the Croatian economy's
competitiveness, nor lead to the creation of more jobs.
The cause of the economic crisis does not lie with workers or labour
legislation, but should be sought among incapable employers and
some members of the incumbent Government, Kunst said at a news
conference.
Amendments to the law, which are being drawn up by Labour Ministry
experts, envisage the reduction of the period of notice and cuts in
redundancy cash with the aim of making it possible for employers to
hire workers more easily, as well as to stimulate economic
activities.
In Kunst's opinion, the liberalisation of the labour market will
not reduce unemployment but would probably intensify the feeling of
insecurity among workers.
He also refuted statements of some employers and government
officials who pinned the blame on workers for the current economic
and social situation in the country and who thus tried to conceal
their own incapability.
"If the government accepts employers' proposals, the unions'
reaction must ensue... and it concerns all union federations,"
Kunst said.
(hina) ms