TWO-HOUR ENGINE DRIVERS' STRIKE ENDS

( Editorial: --> 5829 ) ZAGREB, May 22 (Hina) - A two-hour rally by Croatian railway engine drivers ended at noon, and railway traffic was resumed. The strike was organised by the Croatian Engine Drivers' Union. Only international passenger trains and trains for purposes of the Croatian army ran regularly. The engine drivers staged the protest because the Croatian Railways (HZ) administration had not submitted to them a suggestion for a new salary system by May 15, although the administration claimed it had completed the task by the agreed deadline and had informed the Union about it. The administration had invited the Union to discuss the suggestion on May 26. The engine drivers requested that they receive at least US$2.8 per hour. Their current salaries are US$1.8 per hour. If the Union does not reach an agreement with the HZ administration at the May 26 meeting (Tuesday), it will decide on a possible general strike at a presidency session on June 2. According to the HZ General Director's Office, during the strike about 40 passenger trains were cancelled and about 50 passenger and 30 freight trains were stalled. (hina) lm jn 221357 MET may 98