WORKERS OF 3 SPLIT COMPANIES STAGE PUBLIC PROTESTS

SPLIT, Dec 10 (Hina) - Several hundreds of workers of the "Lav" hotel, trade and bakery company "Ilova", and the "Jadrantekstil" company from the southern Adriatic town of Split on Friday staged protests at three different locations in the city demanding that all backpays be paid, that the dismissal of workers be discontinued, that workers return to their jobs, and that charges be filed against companies suspected of criminal activities. Over 300 laid off workers of "Jadrantekstil" protested by a one- hour-long walk across the city, obstructing traffic and protesting before a court demanding a reorganisation of the company, the return to their jobs and filing charges. Over 100 Hotel "Lav" employees continued their four-day-long protest before the Split city authorities building demanding that wage supplements be paid out, that laid off union commissioners return to their jobs, and that the laying off of workers discontinue. The Split city mayor addressed "Jadrantekstil" and "Ilova" workers on Friday. He supported their requests and said he was going to do everything in his power to help them. (hina) it mm