The staff of the Glas Istre daily went on strike on Sunday which will last until their union's demands are met, the Croatian Journalists Association shop steward in the newspaper, Masa Jerin, told press.
She said the strike was a consequence of months of failed negotiations between the union and the employer, who wants to introduce a six-day working week, further reduce the already halved salaries and lay off about 30 employes, nearly one-fourth of the entire staff.
"The union doesn't agree to that and wants the signing of a collective agreement which will be the result of negotiations and not the employer's order and which will contain a minimum of security for us workers," said Jerin.
She added that despite the strike, the daily would continue publication due to a decision of a Pula County Court judge, who ruled that journalism is a job that must not be interrupted even when workers are on strike, fighting for their rights.
Jerin said the decision was disgraceful and aimed at undermining the effects of the strike.
According to the union, about 80 Glas Istre staff are on strike, while 20 are under the compulsory work order.
Jerin called on readers not to buy the daily "created under a compulsory work order."
She thanked everyone supporting Glas Istre and said that the strike had been supported by the president of the International Federation of Journalists.
