Workers of the Karlovac-based firearms manufacturer HS Produkt, members of Novi sindikat, came today, September 11, to support the strikers in Belišće who have now been on strike for nine days. Several citizens of Belišće also came to show their support, and around 100 people gathered in front of the Leistritz factory gate together with 50 striking workers. Union representatives from both companies were present at the gathering and discussed the workers’ problems together. They concluded that their problems are essentially the same everywhere – low wages, poor working conditions and the impossibility of negotiating collective agreements. This was the first action of this kind organized in Belišće. Novi sindikat will continue to work on strengthening connections between workers, which is one of our key missions.
In addition to the support on the ground, the workers also received written support from REGIONALNI INDUSTRIJSKI SINDIKAT (RIS) and SINDIKAT KABINSKOG OSOBLJA ZRAKOPLOVA (SKOZ).
As a reminder, the management declared the strike at Leistritz illegal and filed a lawsuit against the union based on unclear accusations. At yesterday’s hearing at the County Court in Osijek, in addition to their previous claims, the employer introduced a new argument – that the strike was illegal because it had not been reported to the Economic and Social Council. This claim demonstrates a clear lack of legal knowledge, since Croatian law does not contain such an obligation. The second court hearing is scheduled for Friday, September 14 at 9:00 a.m.
Today’s solidarity action is extremely important. Workers are strongest when they are connected, and only in this way can they confront capital, which is highly organized and connected across borders. Morale among the strikers remains high and they say they will not give up until their demands are met. They are fighting for what they deserve – wages that allow them to live a normal life without constant financial insecurity, and dignified working conditions that would help stop the further devastation of Slavonia caused by the forced migration of skilled workers and their families. Workers say they will resist attempts to break the strike through unity and solidarity – their strongest weapon.
We call on all workers and trade unions to express solidarity with the workers of Leistritz and support their struggle!
