ECONOMY MINISTRY, ZAGREBACKA BANKA REACH AGREEMENT ON 'SAVRIC'

ZAGREB, July 27 (Hina) - The Croatian Economy Ministry and the Zagrebacka Banka are ready to share the payment of salaries for the employees of the furniture factory 'Savric' if Tuesday's agreement between their respective representatives is supported by the Zagrebacka Banka, that is, by the Government, at a session on Thursday. This is the result of today's talks at the Economy Ministry held between representatives of the Economy Ministry, Zagrebacka Banka, the 'Savric' management and unions, and the county and municipal authorities. If the Government and the Zagrebacka Banka accept today's agreement, 'Savric' workers would receive minimum wages for May and June in the gross amount of 1,500 kuna (about DM384). Participants in today's talks agreed that the best solution for the factory would be its reorganisation under bankruptcy procedure, which would leave the company with an optimal number of employees and surplus labour would be legally provided for, said Duilio Belic of the Zagrebacka Banka. Belic was supported by Deputy Economy Minister Jasna Boric and the commissioner of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Croatia for Zagreb, Mario Ivekovic. Ivekovic said he was satisfied with the outcome of the talks, because after repeated refusals, the Zagrebacka Banka, which is the largest single shareholder in 'Savric', had finally agreed to financially support the rehabilitation of 'Savric' and pay the salaries. Ivekovic warned, however, that one should wait until the end of the week, when the Government and the Zagrebacka Banka would make official statements on today's agreement. (hina) rml