GOVERNMENT-UNIONS NEGOTIATIONS FAIL, STRIKE ON THURSDAY

ZAGREB, Dec 12 (Hina) - Tuesday's negotiations between the government and unions of public and civil servants failed. On Thursday, the unions are going on strike until their demands are met. The negotiations failed because the government said no to the unions' demand for a five percent increase in basic salaries and a proposal that an independent arbitrator settle the matter. Unions of public and civil servants announced they would go on a "cyclic strike" starting Thursday, when colleges and schools will be on strike. The health and social welfare sectors go on strike on Friday, and state administration on Monday. The government cannot assume the obligation that it will respect an arbitrator's decision as it might hit the state budget, Deputy Prime Minister Zeljka Antunovic said after the negotiations. Public and civil servants' salaries are not an issue of legal nature which should be settled through negotiations and not arbitration, she added. Antunovic said the government did not consider introducing a compulsory work order for the duration of the strike, but thought the functioning of special interest activities should be ensured. The workers on strike will not be paid for time spent on strike, in line with the legal right of every employer, the government included, she said. The government believes the announced strike will not succeed, Antunovic added. According to the president of the science union, Zvonimir Sikic, the government's refusal of arbitration clearly indicates that the government believes arbitration would be in the unions' interest. (hina) ha