TEACHERS', SCIENCE, HIGHER EDUCATION UNIONS BEGIN STRIKE

ZAGREB, Dec 14 (Hina) - The Croatian Teachers' Union and the Independent Union of Science and Higher Education of Croatia went on strike on Thursday morning to protest the government's salary policy in public and state services. Today's strike in elementary schools, colleges, and science institutions is part of a so-called circular strike of unions of public and civil servants. Workers in the health and social sectors go on strike tomorrow, and state administration on Monday. The strike was announced yesterday after the government turned down the unions' demand for a five percent basic salary increase and a proposal to settle the dispute by independent arbitration. Union leaders decided to go on strike even though they can no longer influence the state budget. They concluded that 100,000 public and civil servants had to express their discontent with the government's breaching of a work agreement on harmonising their salaries with those in state-owned companies. Deputy Prime Minister Zeljka Antunovic said yesterday the government would ensure normal work in all public and state services for the duration of the strike. The government will not enforce the compulsory work order, but requested the managers and directors of public and state institutions to ensure work and undisturbed services for the duration of the strike, but also not to disturb employees on strike in any way. Moreover, the government will not pay working hours for time spent on strike. (hina) ha