CRO PRIVATISATION FUND TO SECURE US405,000 FOR FURNITURE FACTORY

ZAGREB, 7 July (Hina) - The Zagreb commissioner of the Association of Independent Trade Unions of Croatia (SSSH), Mario Ivekovic, on Wednesday informed workers of the furniture factory "Savric" that the Croatian Privatisation Fund (HFP) would secure three million kuna (about US$405,500) for the payment of March and April salaries in arrears. The salaries should be paid on Monday and until then there will be no new rallies of "Savric" employees, it was agreed at today's meeting at the "Savric" offices in Zagreb. Welcoming the HFP's move, Ivekovic said the HFP, as a government institution, was not obliged to secure funds since the Government neither owned nor owed money to the factory. The three million kuna is only one half of the sum demanded by the workers, Ivekovic said, adding the remaining three million would be demanded from Savric's largest shareholder - the Zagrebacka Bank. "Savric" workers accepted Ivekovic's proposal and the HFP offer, which secures 1,500 kuna each of the net salaries for March and April for each worker. The factory's owners and creditors, and government and union representatives will tomorrow hold talks and try to reach an agreement on a programme of dealing with the crisis the factory is faced with. "Savric" workers on Tuesday blocked the Krapinski Bridge, the Bregana border pass toward Slovenia and Skorpikova Street in Zagreb's residential area of Jankomir protesting against the Government's failure to fulfil their demands and ensure six million kuna (US$0.8 million) for the payment of three salaries in arrears. (hina) rml