After nearly two weeks on strike, the workers of Leistritz Turbine Components Belisce returned to their positions yesterday morning. This is the result of successful negotiations between Novi sindikat, which represented the workers, and the Company Management, which accepted all worker demands and dropped the lawsuit against the workers for which the first hearing had been held at the County Court in Osijek. Since both the Management and the Union waived their right to appeal, the matter is considered closed.

At a meeting between Novi sindikat representatives and the Management, consisting of Anja Wendling, Sven Nieper, and company director Zoran Pepic, an agreement was reached and a deal was signed to end the strike. The main demand of the strikers, an increase in the base wage, was fulfilled. For the workers, this means an increase in the basic salary which can now grow according to advancement levels, starting from the minimum wage for newly employed workers up to the 6th group, whose base will be 5,000 HRK. Additionally, wages can continue to grow as before because the stimulus system remains as it was, meaning the amount of stimuli is not reduced in favor of the salary, which was the original demand. The new salary starts being paid on 1 October.

Novi sindikat fought for the rule that a worker can work only two Saturdays a month, and the other two only if they agree to it. The number of annual leave days for parents was increased, as well as the supplement for Saturday work, sick leave compensation, and the amount of occasional rewards (Christmas bonus, Easter bonus, holiday allowance, gift for children).

Our strikers fought to be paid for three days of the strike, and the employer dropped the lawsuit for an illegal strike at the County Court in Osijek. These won rights apply to the workplaces where members of Novi sindikat are employed. Novi sindikat will continue to negotiate for further improvements in the continuation of collective bargaining in a few weeks.

The strike serves as a powerful example for workers in Belišće and across Slavonia. The Leistritz employees have shown that better working conditions are achievable when workers unite and organize.