ZAGREB, 1 May 2022 - Prime Minister Andrej Plenković on Sunday greeted Croatian citizens on International Workers' Day, saying that the government will continue to improve workers' status during times of numerous challenges and resolutely continue with its policy of wage increases in the years to come.

"This year on International Workers' Day I once again wish to express my gratitude to all workers who in these difficult circumstances are the most deserving for the Croatian economy's resilience, growth and competitiveness", Plenković wrote in his message. 

"Hence, the government will continue to improve workers' status in times when we are faced with numerous challenges and changing global and market opportunities that the 4th industrial revolution brings".

Faced with the consequences of the COVID pandemic, Russia's aggression against Ukraine and increased prices of energy and food, the government has taken a series of measures to save jobs, economic stability and the economic and social standards of Croatian families.

The Prime Minister added that, led by the principle of social solidarity, the government is resolving key issues together with the unions for the well-being of workers.

He is satisfied with the agreement reached recently with unions in state and public services that guarantees the further growth of the base wage and material rights and, with that, increased purchasing power for employees.

He noted that after years of stagnation in wages, in the past five and a half years a significant improvement has been made and the base wage in the public and state sector has increased by more than 23%.

The average net wage increased by 32% to HRK 7,452 in February and the minimum net wage increased by 50% to HRK 3,750. In the period from 2016 to 2021, real wages increased significantly more than prices.

"Despite the demanding economic circumstances, and with the support of Croatian citizens, we will resolutely continue with our policy of wage increases in the coming years", Plenković said.

He underscored that the government will continue to implement reforms, create a quality business environment, stimulate investments as a precondition to modernise Croatia, continue with economic growth, create new jobs and continue to increase wages, which means a higher living standard for Croatian citizens.

For more, check out our politics section.

ZAGREB, 21 April 2022 - After a two-year break, the SSSH union federation will mark International Workers' Day on 1 May with a protest march and rally in Zagreb to warn about the need for pay rises, better protection of workers' rights, and collective bargaining.

After two years when International Workers' Day could not be observed due to COVID, the conditions now exist for doing it in a safe and appropriate way, with a protest, Dijana Šobota of the SSSH told the press on Thursday.

€750 minimum wage goal by 2026

SSSH president Mladen Novosel said the unions' goal was for the average pay to be at least €1,500 and minimum wage €750 by 2026. He is confident the goal will be achieved through collective agreements, which, he said, some employers continue to refuse.

The protest rally will be the first warning that we will do everything in the coming period to have a clear system and pace of collective bargaining in the private sector as well as maximum coverage of workers with collective agreements, he said.

We demand that the government, as the employer, raise wages in the public sector in line with GDP and inflation growth, and that, as the legislator, it encourages collective bargaining and reduces currying favor with employers, he added.

Novosel said that despite the government's measures, the cost of living had additionally increased due to the war in Ukraine and that he hoped the government would agree to public sector unions' pay rise demands.

For more, check out our politics section.

May 2, 2021 - Early yesterday morning, the Labour day motorcycle vigil Bjelovar was held.

Bjelovar Info reports, traditionally, about 500 motorcyclists accompanied by the police drove through the city streets for one hour. It is a continuation of the tradition from the 1930s, when workers protested against the capitalists of that time by driving without an exhaust.

On May 1, 100 years ago, they removed the mufflers on motorcycles and drove to the Kamenitovac mountain lodge and returned to the City before 7 am to arrive on time at work, wanting to point out all social injustices in this way.

"Last year we organized the Moto Vigil as a normal participation in traffic. We rode in several groups and that was all. For epidemiological reasons, this time we did not have any official gathering, nor did the motorcyclists hang out before and after the vigil, but only the formation of a column in the parking lot before 5.00 in the morning. Accompanied by the police, we drove through the pre-determined streets, after which we dispersed. All participants adhered to epidemiological measures so that they did not move away from their motorcycles and did not take off their protective helmets. Also, unnecessary stopping was not allowed. Given that the Bjelovar vigil is of great importance for citizens and motorcyclists, we decided to organize it at least in a slightly more modest edition and in accordance with all epidemiological regulations", said Alen Krce, president of the Moto Club Bjelovar.

As in previous years, the organizer of the traditional Bjelovar Moto vigil was "Moto Club Bjelovar". Today, there are only few people who do not know that the vigil became a recognizable manifestation of the city of Bjelovar, which is held from year to year at dawn on Labor Day. Unfortunately, due to the coronavirus pandemic last year, it was not organized in the way that the people of Bjelovar and the participants themselves are used to.

"In 1930, the Moto Club Bjelovar was founded, and then took over the organization of this moto vigil, which had been there for several years before. Throughout history, there may have been some interruptions due to various conditions, but a few years ago this became an event beyond the borders of the city of Bjelovar, and, beyond the county when we had an international visitor", said Alen Krce, president of Moto Club Bjelovar.

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After the opening of the Hotel Hvar in Jelsa this weekend, here is another invitation to spend a few days on Hvar around the Labour day. This time, one of the Suncani Hvar hotels will be opening for the season - Amfora Grand Beach Resort.