RAILWAY WORKERS UNIONS DEMAND URGENT MEETING WITH PREMIER

ZAGREB, March 21 (Hina) - Three Croatian railway unions - the Union of Croatian Railway Workers, Union of Croatian Engine-Drivers and the Union of Croatian Railway (HZ) Infrastructure - on Tuesday sent a letter to Prime Minister Ivica Racan seeking an urgent meeting, which should prompt the "resolution of problems regarding the HZ's economic situation and the social position of its employees." Today's letter is the second such letter this month. In early March, the unions forwarded a letter saying that not even after two months since its establishment the new government seemed to be interested in becoming acquainted with the situation in the HZ. The unions also protested against, they said, the inadequate treatment of the HZ in the allocation of budgetary funds, which, in their opinion, would lead to the overall collapse of the HZ system. In today's letter, the unionists said the grave situation in the HZ required quick action. They stressed the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Transport and Communications did not show any interest in solving the problem, which was why they were forced to turn to the Prime Minister. (hina) mm rml