Today, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Janez Janša, met representatives of public sector unions who had previously, in the presence of the Minister of Public Administration, Dr Gregor Virant, signed the Collective Contract for the Public Sector and an annex to the Collective Contract for Non-Economic Activities in the Republic of Slovenia.

(Photo: Primož Lavre/Salomon 2000)

 

Addressing his guests, the PM expressed satisfaction over the agreement and said he was happy that the story which began five years ago when the Salary System in the Public Sector Act was introduced and established the basis for eliminating disproportionate salaries had finally ended.

 

The PM thanked the unions for the joint efforts which produced results and said that the doors were open to other unions which did not participate in today's event. "We can agree that today's event means social peace in the public sector and the beginning of a new, also demanding path, which will end with the signing of collective contracts for industries," said the PM.

 

According to the PM, sectors which were the most undervalued are gaining most: culture, health care, social care, and some areas of public administration. A compromise has been reached with the police, while the education sector received a pay rise between 2002 and 2005. At that time the salaries of high officials and directors were also regulated.

 

To eliminate undervalued salaries, about €300 million has been invested. About half of the sum was available because more than 150,000 public servants waived the annual adjustment of their salaries to inflation. The PM commended the entire public sector for this contribution. "History will not forget this," he said.

 

In conclusion, the PM thanked everyone who participated in the negotiations for their effort and patience, and congratulated the unions on signing the agreement.