HPT UNIONS CLAIM MORE THAN 60 PER CENT OF WORKERS WENT ON STRIKE

( Editorial: --> 6925 ) ZAGREB, July 10 (Hina) - More than 60 per cent of all Croatian Post and Telecommunications (HPT) workers participated in Friday's two- hour industrial stoppage, the HPT Union said. However, the HPT management claimed that the turnout was less than five per cent. Four postal and telecommunications unions staged a two-hour stoppage on Friday morning to protest about the government "dragging its feet in the collective bargaining process". The unions demand a redistribution of the funds allotted for salaries in the collective agreement. This would involve the elimination of so-called "stimulations" for special work efforts, which would leave room for a 13 to 17 per cent increase of the basic salary. State HPT Union president Jadranko Vehar said management exerted pressure on employees in order to prevent the strike. Compulsory working orders were issued to 30 per cent of all employees prior to the strike, he added. HPT management said yesterday that it had undertaken all legal measures to ensure unimpeded postal and telecommunications traffic within the minimum scope prescribed by the law. At the time of the strike, between 8am and 10am, unimpeded post and telecommunications traffic in Croatia was secured and the strike did not threaten the interests of HPT customers, HPT management said today. Vehar told reporters that so far more than 80 per cent of union members had supported a general strike, which should be held in autumn in case the strike of warning failed to yield results. However, the government negotiating team stressed that it was ready to continue constructive negotiations with HPT unions on a new collective agreement. (hina) jn rml /mbr 101752 MET jul 98