CROATIAN METALWORKERS TO GO ON STRIKE

ZAGREB, Dec 14 (Hina) - Dissatisfied with the poor situation in the Croatian metallurgy and economy in general, the Union of Croatian Metalworkers (SMH) on Monday announced a protest meeting for Tuesday. The metalworkers will call on the Government to resign or call the new elections, since they believe that the current authorities are not able to prevent the demise of the Croatian metallurgy and economy, SMH president Ivica Jakopcevic told reporters today. The metalworkers are seeking a moratorium on layoffs, especially in state-owned companies and the regular payment of at least minimum wages. They also requested to be given a legal opportunity to organise a strike due to non-payment of wages, and a Christmas bonus of at least US$160. Other demands include banning the establishment of companies without capital and employing workers in those fictitious companies. The metalworkers also urge protection of the Croatian market and products. Along with tomorrow's strike in the Croatian capital, the metalworkers will organise one-hour strikes in most of the 270 Croatian metallurgic companies, Jakopcevic said. According to union data, of Croatia's once 180,000 metalworkers, less than 70,000 still have jobs, of whom 12,500 employed in 65 companies receive wages irregularly. Eleven companies have announced the laying off of another 2,500 employees, while in the past three years 51 companies have gone bankrupt, the SMH president said. (hina) jn rml