Agreement Reached between the Union and VIK Management in Rijeka

Rijeka, January 31, 2022. – At today’s meeting between the union and the management of Water Supply and Sewerage (VIK), a compromise agreement was reached. Although the details are not yet known, both parties stated that “they are not happy, but a compromise has been reached.” This prevented the announced strike.

Initial Union Demands

To recap, the union demanded during negotiations:

9% increase in net salary (the average salary at VIK was around 6,400 kuna),
meal allowance up to the maximum non-taxable amount – a total of 5,000 kuna annually,
increase in severance pay upon retirement from 20,000 to 30,000 kuna,
payment of a Christmas bonus of 2,500 kuna,
Easter voucher for shopping in the amount of 600 kuna,
increase in jubilee awards to a quarter of the average salary in the company for every five years of service.

Compromise Reached

Although the final details have not been publicly disclosed, the agreement means that VIK workers will avoid a strike, and the union and management have managed to find a common solution. Representatives of both sides emphasized that the agreement reached involves a compromise, but they are also ready to continue the dialogue on working conditions and material rights of employees.

Conclusion

The agreement at VIK demonstrates the importance of social dialogue and negotiation. Although neither side is completely satisfied, the compromise prevented a strike and opened the door for further discussions on improving workers’ rights and business stability.