CROATIAN PRIMARY AND HIGH SCHOOLS TO STAGE STRIKE FRIDAY

( Editorial: --> 9964 ) ZAGREB, June 9 (Hina) - The Croatian Teachers' Union and Independent Union of Croatian High School Employees on Tuesday said primary and secondary schools would go on strike as of Friday, June 12, to last depending on the government's suggestion on solving collective agreement problems. The two unions are requesting a 12.5 per cent increase in teachers' salaries, 685 kuna (about DM200) in compensation and placing school secretaries and accountants into higher salary classes. "The government has run out of arguments, even the one about the lack of unity of unions. Now all unions will go on strike, so we expect the government to come out with an argumented suggestion," president of the Croatian Teachers' Union, Dalimir Kuba, said. Every suggestion from the government is welcome and will be discussed, president of the Croatian High School Union, Vesna Kanizaj, said. She stressed the basic purpose of the unions' request was that salaries of teachers-beginners reach the level of average salary in the country. (hina) lml 091626 MET jun 98