State arms workers protest in front of Mečiar's office

Trade unionists from the heavy- industrial firm ZTS Dubnica rejected on July 10 the government's accusations that they are partially responsible for their firm's unsteady financial situation, TASR reported. On July 9, they protested in front of the Slovak government office, criticizing the Cabinet's lack of interest in their problems. Cabinet officials refused to meet with the trade unionists, and Prime Minister Vladimír Mečiar canceled a scheduled July 11 visit to Dubnica. The opposition Party of the Democratic Left (SDĽ) promised on July 10 to support the trade unions. Commenting on the situation of ZTS employees, many of whom are threatened with unemployment and reportedly have not received their wages for months, the SDĽ officials blamed the National Property Fund and the state.