Three representative trade unions – SING, INAŠ and EKN officially addressed the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Croatia with the aim of pointing out the consequences of regulating the prices of petroleum products on the operations of INA Group and, consequently, on the position of workers.
Although we understand and support the measures by which the state seeks to protect citizens from rising energy prices, we warned that such decisions must not lead to the greatest burden of the crisis being borne by the workers of INA Group, which is currently the case.
In a letter to the Ministry of Economy, we explained how the negative financial effects of price regulation could be reflected in collective bargaining and limit the scope for wage increases. That is why we propose to consider the possibility for owners to give up part of the dividend, and that the amount of funds thus freed up is directly directed to the
increase in the salaries of INA Group employees.
At the same time, we officially addressed the Supervisory Board of INA with the same initiative to redirect part of the planned dividend to increase employee salaries. Such a move would be a strong signal of responsible management and recognition of the merit of the workers for their contribution to the operational and financial success of INA.
Collective bargaining continues in complex circumstances. In the negotiations, the employer refers to the uncertainty of the oil market, geopolitical circumstances and a possible decrease in revenue, which is reflected in the financial package that is currently "on the table".
We have clearly stated that the continuation of negotiations, based on the current situation, does not provide a satisfactory solution for the workers and there is a real possibility of entering into a collective labor dispute if a fairer evaluation of the work of all INA Group workers is not achieved.
We have also informed the Office for Social Partnership, the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions of Croatia, the Independent Croatian Trade Unions and the Croatian Association of Trade Unions about these moves.
We will inform you in a timely manner about all further trade union activities and the development of negotiations.
