TEACHERS' TRADE UNION DISCUSSES POSSIBLE STRIKE

( Editorial: --> 7069 ) ZAGREB, 25 Jan (Hina) - The Independent Union of Secondary School Teachers on Sunday sent a message to the Croatian government, requesting again that the talks and negotiations on improving the financial status of employees in primary and secondary education begin. If the talks are not initiated by 31 January, the union will organise protests, that is, a one-day strike on a Monday after 31 January, union representatives told a press conference on Sunday. As of tomorrow, the Union branches in all Croatian counties will start holding extraordinary sessions. The Independent Union of Secondary School Teachers will continue cooperating with the Croatian Teachers' Union and participate in protest meetings of the Croatian Workers' Trade Union. The Independent Union of Secondary School Teachers has also called on Education Minister Ljilja Vokic to accept UNESCO's recommendation on the social status of teachers by 31 January. (hina) rm 251429 MET jan 98