PIK VRBOVEC WORKERS DISCONTINUE PROTEST

ZAGREB, Dec 15 (Hina) - Workers of the meat processing industry of PIK Vrbovec, on Wednesday discontinued a protest staged on Tuesday, and returned to their jobs after newly appointed President of the PIK Vrbovec Management Board Zlatko Stepancik signed an agreement with representatives of the agriculture trade union on the payments of salaries and the withdrawal of a decision on the dismissal of five union commissioners. According to the agreement, salaries for September must be paid until Thursday the latest, and salaries for October are to be paid until December 22 the latest. The agreement also demands urgent withdrawal of a decision on the dismissal of five union commissioners. About 1,500 workers participated in the protest, seeking the payment of September and October salaries, the withdrawal of a decision on the dismissal of five union commissioners, and the resignation of the chairman of the management board, Zlatko Dominikovic. After yesterday's protest, chairman of the PIK Vrbovec management board Zlatko Dominikovic was relieved from his duties. The new appointed chairman is Zlatko Stepancik. (hina) it