GOVT SAYS WON'T GIVE IN TO RAILWAY WORKERS' DEMANDS

ZAGREB, 28 Nov (Hina) - The Croatian government will not give in to the demands of the Croatian Railway Workers' Union, because it has met all obligations it took over after a strike of railway workers in February, government representatives said at today's session. 'This is an unnecessary, fictitious strike, the real reasons of which are completely different from those mentioned in the Union's request', Croatian Premier Zlatko Matesa said. Transport Minister Zeljko Luzavec said that the Government had fulfilled its obligations, whereas the unions of railway workers had not reached a consensus on a collective agreement. The main request of railway workers during their strike in February was the harmonizing of their salaries with those in economy. The salaries of Croatian Railways workers had risen by 21% in 1996, Luzavec said, adding the government had prepared a plan on the financial reconstruction and development of the Croatian Railways. Once empty phrases were removed, the reasons of the strike boiled down to the Union's insisting on a holiday cash grant and anniversary and Christmas bonuses for children. "The strike is unpleasant and unnecessary', Luzavec said. The strikers were not concerned about the real situation in the Croatian Railways, Luzavec said, adding the Croatian railways was the most difficult problem of Croatia's economy. (hina) rm jn 281757 MET nov 96