The Independent Trade Unions (NHS) and the Federation of Autonomous Trade Unions of Croatia (SSSH) on Saturday drew attention to the injustice of the global economic system affecting Croatian workers and labour legislation, stressing the need to change the existing rules.

“The application of the existing rules has led to the deeply rooted injustice of the global economic system, weakening democracy and reducing labour rights in many countries. Since the rules and laws are not on the side of workers, we are facing unprecedented and destructive levels of economic inequality and insecurity,” the two union federations said in a joint statement marking the 11th World Day for Decent Work, which is observed on October 7.

There are enough resources in the world to satisfy the needs of present time – to create decent work for all, ensure social protection, address climate change and all other things that need to be done so that people can live decently on a sustainable planet, but that requires changing the present rules, said the statement signed by NHS leader Kresimir Sever and SSSH leader Mladen Novosel.

For many years now Croatian workers have increasingly been working in unsteady, insecure and underpaid jobs. Since 2004, between 94 and 96 percent of all new employment contracts have been signed for a fixed period of time, a result of which more and more young people are becoming disillusioned and are leaving the country. On the other hand, the resulting shortage of labour is difficult to offset by importing foreign workers because they prefer working elsewhere, the statement said.

“There is no decent work without security, decent work conditions and decent pay. Along with decent work, decent work conditions and decent pay, workers are also entitled to rest from work. Croatia obviously needs a major housecleaning,” the two union federations said, calling for compliance with labour legislation and banning work on Sundays and public holidays.