ZAGREB, December 30, 2018 - Social Democratic Party (SDP) leader Davor Bernardić criticised on Saturday the government's treatment of workers in the shipbuilding industry.
"The announcement of bankruptcy proceedings in the 3. Maj shipyard is the worst possible New Year's message from the government," Bernardić said at a meeting with SDP members in Novska.
The Financial Agency (FINA) has filed a request with the Rijeka Commercial Court to launch bankruptcy proceedings in the Rijeka-based shipyard, which is part of the Uljanik shipbuilding group, after its account was blocked for 120 days due to unsettled claims amounting to slightly more than 72 million kuna.
Union representatives at 3. Maj have said that bankruptcy is not an acceptable option and that a sustainable solution should be sought for the shipyard instead. They also believe that 3. Maj is not responsible for its current situation and that its current situation is due to 3. Maj having lent more than 523 million kuna to the Pula-based Uljanik, the other shipyard in the Uljanik shipbuilding group.
Bernardić said the government had been avoiding dealing with the Uljanik situation for a year and that he believed this was so because it was in somebody's interest.
"Maybe someone has their eye on the land (shipyard premises) in Pula. It is clear to everyone that the bankruptcy of 3. Maj will pave the way for the bankruptcy and liquidation of Uljanik itself," Bernardić said.
More news on the situation in Uljanik can be found in our Business section.
