STATE & PUBLUC UNIONS AGREE TO GOVT OFFER OF SALARY INCREASE

ZAGREB, Dec 12 (Hina) - A negotiating committee of state and public trade unions of Croatia has accepted the government's offer of Friday to increase salaries and bonuses for 1999, committee member Dalimir Kuba told reporters on Saturday. The government has proposed a stay in the increase of salaries in the first six months of 1999, to be followed by a five percent increase for July salaries, which will be paid out in August, and a further 12 percent increase in November, to be paid out the following month. According to the government's proposal, the basic salary for employees in state and public services would rise from the current 1,250 kuna (US$205) to 1,500 kuna (US$246). The proposal also includes a 1,000 kuna (US$164) 1999 Christmas bonus, and for parents, a 400 kuna (US$65) gift for children. Even though the negotiating committee has accepted the government offer, a final decision will be made at a referendum by the unions' members, or by the central bodies of certain unions, depending on the unions' statutes. Kuba announced the teachers' referendum for early next week. The total amount necessary for the 1999 salary increase is 750 million kuna (US$123 million). (hina) ha