RAILWAY WORKERS' UNION: STRIKE WILL CONTINUE

ZAGREB, 1 Dec (Hina) - The president of the Croatian Railway Workers' Union, Zlatko Pavletic, stated at today's press conference that 'great pressure is being exerted on the strikers', and added that there was possibility of stopping the current minimal railway service in case the pressure continued. The Croatian Railway Workers' Union would continue the strike which started on 28 November and demand the signing of a collective agreement, respect for the rights of employees provided for by the Croatian Railways (HZ) Labour Relations by-laws and long-term solution of the present status of the Croatian Railways. #L# Speaking about pressure which was being exerted on the strikers, Pavletic said that the HZ internal control demanded from workers to state whether they did or did not support the strike. A message had been distributed, containing instructions on filling out the form on working hours record during the strike, which was signed by the HZ Administration president Marijan Klaric. 'Dismissal threats are illegal and they are aimed at confusing the public', Pavletic said, adding that 11,000 union members are taking part in the strike. Zagreb East railway station is also on strike. A November 27 order by the HZ Administration president on the obligatory resumption of a part of railway service caused delays and damage to railway transport. 'Railway lines and junctions are jammed because the HZ management is insisting on the implementation of the 27 November order as well as because of considerable problems in the organisation of minimal passenger transport', Union representatives said. (hina) rm 011419 MET dec 96