,GOVERNMENT SAYS

ZAGREB, Jan 17 (Hina) - The Croatian Government on Tuesday discussed labour unions' proposals and demands regarding the Guidelines on Payment of Salaries and the draft Annex IV to the Basic National Agreement for the business sector and public services, the Government's public relations office said in a statement on Wednesday. "The Croatian Government has set limits for wage growth in order to keep wages within real productivity," the statement said. "These limits do not impinge on the setting of distribution criteria by collective negotiations," the statement said. "We consider that there is still enough room for negotiations, which we encourage," the statement said. The Government also accepted negotiations for the signing of Annex IV to the Basic National Agreement for the business sector and public services, on the basis of a proposal put forward by trade unions. The negotiations are to be organised by the Ministry of Labour and Welfare. Despite the fact that the Annex III of the Basic National Agreement expired as of December 31, 1995, the Government will respect the wage level achieved under that Annex. The Government stressed the need for concluding a separat collective agreement for public services as soon as possible. (hina) jn as 171312 MET jan 96