Croatian Medical Workers Strike for Fair Pay & Conditions

Around 4,000 medical workers in Croatia have initiated a strike, demanding a 20% salary increase and the reintroduction of bonuses for hazardous work conditions. Union representatives argue that staff shortages due to emigration have increased workloads. The government has yet to respond satisfactorily.

Around 4,000 medical workers across Croatia began a strike on Monday, limiting services to emergency care only, as they pressured the government to meet their demand for higher wages. The union, known as 'Together,' includes radiology engineers, technicians, and nurses, advocating for a 20% increase in salary calculations and the return of work hazard bonuses.

The union cites staff shortages due to skilled workers moving to the West, which has overburdened existing medical personnel. Marin Tomelic, a hospital radiology practitioner and the union representative, expressed frustration over ongoing negotiations with the government since March that haven't yielded satisfactory solutions.

'The strike is intended to draw attention from decision-makers, not the end-goal,' Tomelic stated, while apologizing to patients affected by the disruption. Meanwhile, Health Minister Vili Beros minimized the impact of the strike, describing the union's demands as 'blackmail' and disputing the strike's size.

(With inputs from agencies.)