An independent union of health and social welfare workers warned on Friday that health system employees who work with Covid-19 patients have not been paid a 10% wage bonus, contrary to a government decision to that effect.

“The bonuses paid to health system employees who work with Covid-19 patients range from HRK 5.26 to a maximum HRK 150 (approx. €20),” said union leader Stjepan Topolnjak, describing this as a disgrace.

He noted also that the government’s decision refers to social welfare workers who work in institutions owned by the state but not to those who work in retirement and nursing homes owned by cities and counties.

“What is most grotesque about this decision is that the work of employees in health and social welfare institutions with COVID-19 patients is being measured by hours and minutes so that they could be paid the lowest possible bonus,” said Topolnjak.