Protest Held by the Zagreb Holding Union

ZGH Union Protest: Demand for the Board’s Dismissal

Zagreb, March 29, 2022. – A protest by the Coordination of SSSH unions was held in front of the Zagreb Holding Board building. The unions demanded the dismissal of the new Board led by President Ivan Novaković and the cessation of the process of determining collective redundancies before a reorganization plan and new job classification are established.

Criticism of the Management Process

The unions stated that the handling of the collective redundancy process demonstrates the incompetence of the new Board. The plan to resolve the debt of 5 billion kuna by laying off workers is seen as a threat not only to the quality of services but also to the ability to perform them. The Board is accused of simulating dialogue with the unions, while having no real intention to reach an agreement.

Messages from Union Leaders

Mladen Novosel, President of SSSH, emphasized that the unions have no political interests and that it is unacceptable to call workers freeloaders. He called the layoffs a farce and the consultation process “pulling the wool over the public’s eyes.”

Zdravko Stojiljković from Čistoća highlighted that the number of contracts is increasing and that there will be more work due to greater waste sorting.

Đurđica Kahlina warned that union representatives are also on the redundancy list, and the criteria for layoffs are not lawful.

Viktorija Vlašić from the Vladimir Nazor branch emphasized that older workers and single parents are on the list, and the decision was made based on Excel spreadsheets with illogical criteria.

Sandra Crnković from SSKH-GSKG stated that workers have been reduced to numbers. “Zagreb Holding is made up of people without whom the city cannot function.”

Vlatko Kottnig, President of the Gas Distribution and Gas Technology Union, criticized the lack of political accountability and warned about the destruction of Gradska plinara Zagreb. He asked: “Does the Croatian state have a price so that someone can buy it and not be run by this bunch of incompetents?”

Conclusion of the Protest

The protest was concluded by Đurđica Kahlina with the words: “We expect the Board and the Mayor to hear and understand us. If they remain deaf, we will continue our legitimate union activities.”