ZAGREB, May 1, 2019 – Prime Minister Andrej Plenković on Tuesday extended his best wishes to all citizens for International Workers’ Day, observed on May 1, saying that his government was trying to improve living standards by implementing its programme based on economic growth, job creation, demographic revival and social solidarity.
He said that International Workers’ Day was an occasion to raise awareness of the importance of improving workers’ status and working conditions, as well as the value of work and jobs in evolving global and market circumstances brought about by the 4th industrial revolution.
The prime minister noted that his government was making sure that low-income and vulnerable citizens had a decent life. “We have decided to increase the minimum wage to 3,000 kuna (400 euro) net and to increase pensions by 7.54 percent, while the lowest pension will go up by an additional 3.13 percent as of July 1,” he said, recalling government investment in employment, in particular in the employment of young people, middle-aged women, long-term unemployed and persons with disabilities.
“For that purpose, we have invested 4.5 billion kuna (608 million euro) in the last two and a half years while in office, which has led to an increase in employment and a decrease in unemployment,” Plenković said.
“Remaining open to dialogue with the trade unions, employers and workers, the government continues to build a modern society and an economy resistant to financial challenges and ready for reform to improve the standard of living for all people in Croatia,” the PM concluded in his message.
Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandroković on Tuesday issued his message, underscoring the need for Croatian society to persevere in empowering workers’ rights and improving living and working conditions.
Jandroković noted that on International Workers’ Day we recall the events of 1886 when workers in Chicago staged protests calling for the recognition of their fundamental rights and dignity and paved the way for more just and humane working conditions.
“Recalling the many years of workers’ struggle, today, in an age of new challenges, global market and technological progress, in Croatian society we have to persevere in further empowering workers’ rights and ensuring good working and living conditions for all employees,” Jandroković said in his message.
In addition to fighting for competitiveness, we also need to continue building a society based on fair and socially-sensitive labour relations in which each individual will have an equal opportunity for a dignified life from their decent and dedicated work or from their pensions, Jandroković said.
More labour news can be found in the Business section.
