EUROPEAN LABOUR REPRESENTATIVE HOLDS PRESS CONFERENCE

ZAGREB, Mar 3 (Hina) - The secretary general of the European Trade Unions Confederation (ETUC), Emilio Gabaglio, today told a press conference of his impressions of his two-day visit to Croatia, where he met Government, Parliament, Union and employers' representatives. Comparing the Unions' situation in Croatia now, to when he first visited Croatia three years ago, Gabaglio said that the three major labour organisation now had a more recognisable identity and better cooperation. The signing yesterday of the Basic National Agreement, was a 'great step forward' Gabaglio said. Gabaglio counted five points that "gave rise to concern." These included the right to strike, collective negotiations, workers' participation, dismissal procedures and the lock-out institution. "It would not be wise for the Government to continue the restructuring process without including the unions," Gabaglio said. He said the ETUC expects the Government next week to discuss its new economic measures together with labour and employers' representatives, and to reach a decision on the necessary labour and social welfare legislation. He repeated that the EUTC supported Croatia's plea for admission to the Council of Europe and the PHARE program. (hina) jn sd as 031745 MET mar 95