ROUND TABLE CONFERENCE PARTICIPANTS DISCUSS SOCIAL PARTNERSHIP

ZAGREB, May 8 (Hina) - Due to the difficult economic and social situation in Croatia, the country needs social partnership more than ever, representatives of the Government, unions and employers said at a round table conference Monday. In order to strengthen social dialogue, the Social Economic Council (DSV) needs a new, more significant role, participants said during the conference dubbed "Social Partnership in Croatia -- Illusion or Reality", organised by the Alliance Independent Unions of Croatia. Unionists hold that the partnership of GSV representatives in the work of parliament bodies would significantly promote social partnership which they have described as more of an illusion than reality, seen as unions were not recognised as equal partners. Vice-president of the Parliament's Lower House Committee for Labour, Social Policy and Health, Darinka Orel, suggested the organisation of a Committee session at which social partners would discuss all problems. She also announced amendments to the Labour Law soon and to a comprehensive labour and social legislative package. Chief director of the Croatian Employers' Association, Zeljko Ivancevic, expressed concern that hasty amendments to the Labour Law could deepen the economic and social crisis because of daily political interests. Participants of the conference supported the idea that a negative approach to solving economic and social problems was a trend currently in Croatia, because people insist on conflicts and searching for culprits. (hina) lml