ZAGREB, August 23, 2019 - Union leader at the Rijeka-based 3. Maj shipyard, Juraj Šoljić on Thursday said that preparations were already being made to launch production at the dock which is something workers are hoping will occur as soon as possible.
Šoljić added that workers also expected to be paid nine outstanding wages as soon as possible.
He appealed on the Finance Ministry to start paying wages and other activities so that production could commence.
Šoljić added that Edi Kučan would remain as the director of the dock and that the Supervisory Board had extended his term for open ended period.
Asked about a new bail out for the dock, Šoljić said that they were aware that the shipyard could not remain to be under state ownership.
"This is an opportunity for 3. Maj to find a new strategic partner in the next two years that will seriously enter into 3. Maj and be involved in ship building. We have a lot of support from the Economy Ministry in that regard and the judiciary and Prime Minister Andrej Plenković.
There are about 700 workers currently at the dock and the union considers that they are sufficient to launch production and if necessary, to engage sub-contractors.
Earlier in the day the government decided to allow the issuance of a conditional payment guarantee in the amount of 150 million kuna to the Rijeka-based 3. Maj shipyard.
Prime Minister Andrej Plenković said that finance-wise that meant that the guarantee would not cause any additional costs for the government and that it will make it possible for the dock to complete the ships already under construction at the dock.
More news about Croatian shipyards can be found in the Business section.
