Following a protest staged by the employees of the Pozega-based Orljava clothing company earlier on Wednesday, an agreement was reached on Wednesday between two trade unions, the workers, and the government on three monthly wages in arrears to be paid and on efforts to be made to find a new strategic partner for the company.

Construction and State Assets Minister Darko Horvat received the workers after they held a protest rally outside Government House on Wednesday, demanding talks with the government’s representatives.

After the meeting, Horvat said there was no need for the protest to have been held because the government had already taken certain steps in reference to the fate of the company.

“The government is not running from its obligations. Workers will get their three outstanding salaries in accordance with the law. I promised them that they would get their pay in the next 10 days,” Horvat said.

Horvat: We insist on finding a strategic partner for Orljava

He said that the government is not thinking of liquidating the company but is insisting on finding a strategic partner. “We think that there is no other way out. We have launched very intensive talks with Hemco from Djakovo,” he said.

Hemco is specialised in manufacturing protective clothes.

“At the moment, all the conditions that the government has set for Hemco have not been met for it to take over Orljava, until we negotiate the final details as there is still one small uncertainty,” said Horvat.

He announced that a hearing has been set for Friday when Orljava will be assigned with a trustee.