ZAGREB, May 29 (Hina) - Representatives of trade unions, employers and the Economy Ministry agreed at a meeting at the government's Social Partnership Office on Thursday that the problem of working hours for stores and respect for
workers' rights in that branch should be resolved by social partners even though their views on the matter are opposed.
ZAGREB, May 29 (Hina) - Representatives of trade unions, employers
and the Economy Ministry agreed at a meeting at the government's
Social Partnership Office on Thursday that the problem of working
hours for stores and respect for workers' rights in that branch
should be resolved by social partners even though their views on the
matter are opposed. #L#
"No one at the meeting said that stores should not be open on Sundays
in general," the head of the Office, Vitomir Begovic, told
reporters following the second working meeting with
representatives of the commercial sector workers' unions,
employers, competent ministries, consumer protection societies
and the State Inspectorate.
Ana Knezevic of the Commercial Sector Workers' Union said the union
wanted the work of stores on Sundays to be banned by law, with the
exception of emergency stores at properly identified sites.
A representative for the Croatian Employers' Association (HUP),
Stipan Bilic, disagreed with the selective granting of permits for
work on Sundays, stating it would put some traders in a privileged
position.
This stance was supported by Assistant Economy Minister Olgica
Spevec.
Spevec said imposing bans on the work of stores at a time when the
country had a high unemployment rate and needed to make its economy
competitive was unacceptable for the ministry.
How these stands will be harmonised will be evident in a fortnight
by which time two working groups are to analyse the problem of
working hours for stores and efficient protection of workers'
rights.
(hina) sp rml