Croatian Teachers' Union (SHU) staged a protest on Thursday (March 1) in front of the education ministry building in Zagreb, demanding a collective work agreement to replace what they described as "one-sided government decisions" defining their rights and salaries.

“What we are demanding is for the negotiations to continue. Also, we want an increase in our material rights considering the positive GDP growth; and also greater protection of employees working in elementary schools. All of these can only be achieved by a collective agreement,” said Sanja Sprem, head of the SHU.

In response, Education Minister Blazenka Divjak came out to talk with protesting teachers. She confirmed that negotiations on a collective agreement for all teachers are still ongoing, and said the process is expected to be finished in two or three weeks.