HDZ & SCHOOL UNIONS SUPPORT IMPROVEMENT OF FINANCIAL STATUS OF EDUCATION SYSTEM

OF EDUCATION SYSTEM ( Editorial: --> 9212 ) ZAGREB, Sept 9 (Hina) - The leading Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) party supports further improvement of the financial situation in Croatia's education system within budgetary limits and in line with Government assessments, HDZ representatives said in Zagreb on Wednesday. The party also supports the continuation of the social dialogue and collective negotiations with school unions, the party representatives told reporters following their three-hour talks with school union leaders. The HDZ is willing and is obligated, both politically and morally, to help in solving problems in the education system, said Nikica Valentic, HDZ vice president, in charge of relations with school unions. It is therefore necessary for the Government and school unions to devise an education strategy, Valentic said. The leaders of five of Croatia's seven school unions participated in today's talks. At the end of last year, school unions went on a strike demanding a pay rise and improvement of the financial status of the education system. (hina) rml 091551 MET sep 98