SISAK'S IRONWORKERS TO RECEIVE SALARIES FOR MAY

ZAGREB, July 11 (Hina) - A delegation of Sisak's Steelworks on Tuesday held a meeting in Zagreb with Croatian Prime Minister Ivica Racan, concluding the company's director over the coming days should ensure the payment of full salaries for May instead of the announced payment of minimum salaries, the president of the Trade Union of Metal Workers of Croatia, Ivica Jakopcevic, told Hina. The company's workers have been on strike since July 4, refusing yesterday to receive a minimum salary of 1,360 kuna. They demanded the payment of full salaries for May and June, and minimum salaries for July. The workers also demanded a confirmation by government representatives that the survival of Sisak's Steelworks was beyond question and that it would not file for bankruptcy. Jakopcevic told Hina Deputy Prime Minister Slavko Linic said the survival of the company was not in question because Croatia needed a steelworks. The problem lies in finding a strategic partner for Sisak's Steelworks. Until then, workers will receive salaries in the amount the government can ensure, he said. According to the strike committee, 1,300 out of 1,700 workers at today's referendum decided to pursue with the strike and hold a public protest rally in front of the government and parliament buildings in Zagreb unless their demands were met. (hina) ha jn