ALLIANCE OF CROAT PUBLIC SERVICE UNIONS ON WORK OF MATESA'S GOVT

ZAGREB, Nov 5 (Hina) - The Alliance of Croatian Public Service Unions on Thursday sent a public letter to Premier Zlatko Matesa on the occasion of the third anniversary of the work of the Government under his leadership. The Alliance considers that evident progress has been made in Croatia in many segments, however this was a great deal less than the Alliance's expectations. During Matesa's era, social dialogue between social partners was intensified and the current Government actually talks to the unions and implements that what is agreed to, says the open letter. The establishment of the economic-social council has strengthened tri-partism. Collective agreements are being contracted and the level of workers' rights has increased, notes the Alliance. The unions however, opposed the Government's decision to pay non- striking teachers the "Pugelnica" (a bonus named after Education Minister Bozidar Puglenik intended for those teachers who did not partake in strikes organised last December and June). The unions also made mention that they were dissatisfied with the Government's decision to prohibit public protests on what they consider the "most significant public places". The unions expect policies which will enable a faster growth in salary rates for public services as well as decreases in tax alleviations. The letter signed by Alliance President Vilim Ribic, notes that no progress has been made in the fields of the sciences, culture and education. (Hina) sp