Zagreb, 26 January 2010 – Newly-elected President of the Republic of Croatia Ivo Josipović met the UATUC delegation in his temporary office. Apart from Ana Knežević, UATUC President, the members of the delegation were Ivan Tomac, UATUC Vice-President for Economy Sector and Ana Milićević Pezelj, Head of Organisation, Education and Publishing Department.

Ana Knežević, who at the moment coordinates the activities of trade union confederations, informed President Josipović about trade union scene in Croatia and current events and she pointed out that UATUC supports Josipović’s commitment to social security and justice, workers’ and social rights, as stated in his election campaign, as well as the fact that he realizes the necessity of reforms, especially in economy.

- We see in you a partner for dialogue as well as a trade union partner – said Ana Knežević and reminded that President Josipović is a member of the Croatian Academic Trade Union which is affiliated to the UATUC.

Ivan Tomac informed Ivo Josipović about the current situation in Croatian economy which is marked by the increase of unemployment, every-day dismissals of workers and irregular payment of wages. Almost 94 percent of the employed in economy sector have wages lower than the average of the Republic of Croatia.

President Ivo Josipović said that the first joint step should be to develop a model for guaranteeing rights of endangered workers and to establish labour courts.