Unions against Layoffs in Zagreb Holding

Zagreb, January 13 2022 – At the press conference of the Coordination of SSSH Unions of Zagreb Holding, it was emphasized that the unions united in SSSH cannot consent to the proposed decision on collective redundancies in ZGH.

SSSH’s Position

The president of SSSH, Mladen Novosel, emphasized: “A clear and transparent reorganization plan and the future structure of the Holding must precede any worker layoffs, as well as a detailed elaboration of the new job classification.” He added that the unions will not take responsibility for decisions that rest with the Management and leadership, stating that no union in SSSH will sign an agreement on layoffs. He announced an initiative for a meeting of all Holding unions for joint action.

SSKH’s Position

The president of the Independent Union of Workers in Municipal and Related Activities of Croatia (SSKH), Baldo Kovačević, believes that it is a unilateral approach and that without an analysis of actual needs, it is not possible to arbitrarily determine the number of redundant workers. He warned that savings on other costs, apart from cutting workers’ material rights, are not being considered.

SPIVH’s Position

The president of the Transport and Communications Union of Croatia (SPIVH), Stjepan Lisičak, stated that the unions have not had insight into the future business plan of the Holding. “We demand that the business and development plan of ZGH and the new job classification with job descriptions, coefficients, and the number of executors in all branches be presented to us before any decision is made.”

URSH’s Stance

The president of URSH, Tomislav Rajković, stated that the decision on collective redundancies is based on unsubstantiated reasons and is made without knowledge of the system and processes. “It is a decision made by directive, in haste, which poses a risk to business operations and opens the door to outsourcing,” said Rajković. He addressed the city authorities: “Turn the wheel, go back to the beginning, and sit down with the unions.”

PPDIV’s Position

The president of PPDIV, Denis Paradiš, emphasized that the unions have never refused dialogue, but that an agreement cannot be accepted in this manner. “There is obviously a surplus of workers, but without a business and reorganization plan, we do not know in which branches and to what extent. 544 layoffs will not solve the accumulated deficits and poor employment decisions,”said Paradiš, urging the new city authorities to show responsibility and empathy.

Conclusion

The unions gathered in SSSH and URSH clearly state that they will not sign an agreement on layoffs without social dialogue, a restructuring plan, and precise job classification. They warn that unilateral actions can further jeopardize the functioning of Zagreb Holding and the labor rights of employees.