The statement reads that unionists have turned down Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor's invitation to a working meeting scheduled for 8 June, as the federations' request for the withdrawal of the government-sponsored bill of amendments to the ZOR has not been met.
Unionists also turned down President Ivo Josipovic's invitation to attend a meeting of his Economic Council, set for 10 June, citing "their busy operational schedule".
Trade unions should collect signatures of ten percent of the electorate within 15 days, from 9 to 23 June, to be able to request a referendum on changes to the labour legislation.
They have already called on the Opposition and nongovernmental organisations to help them in this effort.