UNION WILL SHARPEN ITS RELATIONS WITH EMPLOYERS IN 1999 - JURIC

ZAGREB, Dec 21 (Hina) - The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Croatia (SSSH) will sharpen its relations with employers in 1999, SSSH representatives said on Monday. Employers did not prove themselves to be good social partners in the establishment of social-market economy, the SSSH president Davor Juric told a press conference. Employers failed to react to the high Value Added Tax rate, counting on their political connections to help them avoid the consequences of its application. They also failed, for the past year, to take any action against those employers who are not paying salaries to their employees, Juric said. Therefore, the SSSH will next year take a firmer stand in negotiations with employers, primarily with the aim of securing regular salaries and payment of health and pension insurance contributions, Juric stressed. The Union will try again to gain the legal right to strike against the non-payment of salaries. The Union is also dissatisfied with its position in the Economic- Social Council, comprising representatives of the Government, employers and unions, and it will consider conditions for further participation in the Council's work, Juric concluded. (hina) it jn/rml