SKARA SIGNS DECISION ON EXTENDING COLLECTIVE DEAL TO SECONDARY SCHOOLS

ZAGREB, Sept 11 (Hina) - On the grounds of the results of a referendum conducted a few days ago in Croatia's secondary schools and pupils' dormitories, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Joso Skara on Saturday signed a decree on extending the implementation of the collective agreement on the basic pay, Christmas bonus and child bonus for 1999. Under the decree, as of August 1, salaries of those employed in secondary schools and dormitories will rise by five percent and as of December 1, this increase will be 12 percent. The Christmas bonus will amount to 1,000 kuna (250 German) marks while the child bonus will be 400 kuna (100 marks). Minister Skara said the results of the referendum showed that employees in secondary schools and dormitories supported the Government's policy about salaries. Commenting on the fact that the Independent Trade Union of Secondary School Teachers, led by Vesna Kanizaj, opposed the referendum, Minister Skara said the union "did not respect the will of those whom it represents." Regardless of this union's opposition of the referendum, this majority union will remain a legitimate partner of the Government in further negotiations, he added. Education Minister Bozidar Pugelnik gave results, according to a provisional report made yesterday. The referendum covered 361 schools and dormitories, or 91 percent. Out of 17,030 workers, 14,187 (83.31 percent) went to the polls. Of them 11,617 (81.88 percent) voted for the extension. So far, data from 36 schools and dormitories have not yet been received, said Minister Pugelnik. The referendum was organised by the Croatian Government and the trade union of employees with state-run and public services and conducted by the ministries of labour ad education. (hina) ms