The Minister of Labor and Pension System, Mirando Mrsić, stated that the credit rating assigned to us by agencies is a reflection of our economy and our condition, adding that the debt we have is a consequence of everything that has not been done for years, that we have not restructured the economy and improved the situation in the state.
He also added that reforms are necessary for the labor market and announced that alongside the reform of labor legislation, there will also be a reform of the pension system. Mrsić touched upon the announced amendments to the Labor Law (ZOR). He expects that it could be accepted by the end of the year.
The government is obliged to publish a statement on the assessment of the impact of the existing Labor Law, which opens the discussion on the adoption of a new ZOR. Based on that statement and discussions with social partners, work will begin on drafting a new ZOR, explained the relevant minister, expressing hope that in that statement they will manage to enumerate all the problems they encounter in the current ZOR.
The fundamental premise of the new law, Mrsić promises, will be the protection of workers because, as he said, workers are in a disadvantaged position in the labor market. He added that, on the other hand, they must enable employers, in times of crisis, to restructure and that the restructuring of companies should be simpler, faster, and more efficient.
Changes will occur in the area of severance pay. We are discussing and seeking a model by which we will resolve this issue, said Mrsić.
Among other things, there will also be discussions about working hours, about agencies for occasional and temporary employment, and he wants to simplify the procedure for managing surplus workers, Mrsić reported.
