The initiative “I am worth more” held a protest on Friday at Markov trg against the measure “gaining work experience without establishing an employment relationship” (SOR), demanding the return of internships, dignity, and perspective for young people under the title “From measure to barrier – young people are worth more”.
The initiative was launched by the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions of Croatia (SSSH), the Croatian Trade Union Association (MHS), and the Youth Network of Croatia.
>>> The initiative ‘I am worth more’ protests for the abolition of SOR and the return of internships
The Minister of Labor and Pension System, Marko Pavić, who also attended the protest, reminded journalists that the SOR measure has decreased by 30 percent, while the measures that the Government wants and encourages – permanent employment in the private sector – have increased fourfold. The protest was late and perhaps should have been held a few years ago when SOR was introduced, Pavić assessed, adding that the Government is pursuing a responsible policy to ensure quality jobs for young people.
1.5 billion kuna has been secured for the program “From measure to career”, Pavić reminded, adding that even before he became a minister, he advocated for the reduction of SOR, as it is a measure with only a 12 percent success rate. We are working on reducing the SOR measure and have placed the obligation of transportation payment on employers. Now we are focusing on strengthening internships, which the protesters are also demanding, said Pavić, noting that his team is working on this and analyzing which laws need to be changed. We nurture social dialogue and I believe that in this way we can successfully cooperate, said Pavić.
Lucija Barjašić Špiler from the Croatian Trade Union Association expressed satisfaction with the minister’s announcement about the abolition of SOR and the strengthening of internships, but also emphasized that they received a response from the commission that needs to redefine active employment policy measures stating that SOR will not be abolished and that some form of internship may return.
>>> At Minister Krstičević’s, even 60 SOR participants
Internships either exist or do not exist, Špiler stated, adding that this Government has expanded the SOR measure claiming that there are fewer participants, explaining that this is because it only started on March 1. Every month, about 1,000 new people are included in SOR, so there is no talk of reduction, as 1.2 billion kuna is planned for SOR for this and next year, claims Špiler. She noted that they asked the commission for concrete numbers for the return of internships, but did not receive a response. We were told that we would only be able to obtain the data in October, and new measures start from January 1, she added.
“The fact that the government intends to abolish SOR is also indicated by the fact that HNS announced a competition for seven SOR participants, and the Parliament and the Government are employing them, and these are just floscules,” she asserted. This is the same as when Prime Minister Plenković and Minister Pavić say that employment is rising, while it is not. That is why we are organizing a protest and we will be getting louder and presenting the truth about what is happening, demanding the abolition of SOR and the return of internships, Špiler announced.
“Their mouths are full of promises for young people, but they do nothing for their well-being,” she asserted.
About 150 protesters gathered at the event.
