PAVLETIC, TRADE UNION REPS DISCUSS MATERNITY LEAVE ALLOWANCES

ZAGREB, 11 Feb (Hina) - The Parliament President Vlatko Pavletic on Tuesday received a delegation of the Association of Independent Croatian Trade Unions, with whom he discussed the problem of allowances for additional maternity leave. According to the Law on the Execution of State Budget, allowances for all mothers have been set at 1,540 kuna. The amount has so far been received by unemployed mothers and those who were employed received allowances amounting to their average six-month salaries. A petition was signed in Zagreb recently, demanding that the regulation be changed. Disgruntled women sent their request to the public attorney, trade unions and Parliament. The request had a considerable media effect. Pavletic said he had discussed the problem with Government officials, adding there is good will to discuss the problem of allowances. One should not politicize the problem, Pavletic said, adding he hoped that the problem of allowances would be solved in the interest of both the state and mothers. (hina) rm jn 111631 MET feb 97