Posted on 07/02/2002 10:39:43 AM PDT by vooch
Doctors, dentists go on one-day strike demanding salary hikes
ZAGREB, Croatia - Doctors and dentists employed in the public sector went on a one-day strike across Croatia Friday, demanding pay hikes of over double the average salary.
As many as 13,000 doctors and dentists were believed to take part in the strike which started at 7 a.m. (0500 GMT) and was to end at 3 p.m. (1300 GMT), a statement from the Croatian Physicians´ Union said.
Doctors said medical care and treatment of patients would not be neglected during the strike, suggesting strikers were taking turns to ensure adequate staffing. But patients with minor health problems were advised to cancel their appointments, the statement said.
The average monthly wage in Croatia is about 3,500 kuna (dlrs 480), while doctors and dentists earn about 4,500 kuna (dlrs 620). The Physicians´ Union was demanding minimum hikes from 7,000 kuna (dlrs 960) for first-year graduates to 9,000 (dlrs 1,230) for specialists.
Health Minister Andro Vlahusic said the government flatly rejects the demands and would not cave in to the strike which it branded "illegal according to current labor legislation."
The union did not specify any further steps.
Croatia has embarked on a wave of economic reforms since a coalition of ex-communists took power from the late authoritarian President Franjo Tudjman´s ultra-nationalists two years ago.
Tens of thousands of workers have lost their jobs in recent months, and the drop in living standards has triggered labor unrest and a spate of strikes.
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