EVERY TENTH WORKER IN CROATIA RECEIVES PAY IRREGULARLY

( Editorial: --> 4041 ) ZAGREB, Feb 23 (Hina) - Every tenth Croatian worker receives their pay irregularly, the Alliance of Independent Trade Unions of Croatia (SSSH) told a press conference focusing on the matter in Zagreb Monday. The fact that almost half of these workers have not been paid their wages for seven or more months is cause for special concern, SSSH economy advisor Marina Kokanovic told reporters. By tolerating this situation, the Government as principal carrier and creator of the economic policy is as responsible for it as employers are, Kokanovic said. Pointing out that workers can receive their pay only by filing court complaints, as strikes for unpaid wages are against the law, Kokanovic recalled that labour litigation usually takes two to three years. It was also said today that employers do not pay health insurance contributions regularly, as a result of which some 130,000 employees are not fully health-insured. The SSSH suggested a Guaranteed Minimum Wage Fund should be set up for employers incapable of regularly paying their workers. (hina) ha mm 231758 MET feb 98