Nikšic, (Montena-business) - "January#s wages for employees of the Niksic#s Brewery will increase for 18,55%, and if the company#s profit in this year was the same as last year, the employees would receive the thirteenth salary of DEM 572," reported Mr. Patrick Dirick, the general director. In the letter that Mr. Dirick directed to the workers, it was stated that the decision on the wage increase was made on the basis of data issued by the Bureau for Statistics regarding the cost of living that were increased for 26,5% last year. Mr. Dirick said that the company#s management could not make any concessions in the financial part of the proposed Collective Contract, but he did not precisely state the requests of the CITUM (Confederation of Independent Trade Unions of Montenegro). "The Union#s representatives have probably informed you already of the fact that from the last meeting, held on January 16, there have been no significant changes which could bring an agreement regarding the main provisions of the previous Collective Contract," explained Mr. Dirick. He said that the management was ready to negotiate about the reorganization of working hours and working conditions that CITUM had demanded before, and he added that as regards the employment of new workers, children of the Brewery#s workers would be privileged to other candidates in the case of their equal qualifications. All the provisions from the Collective Contract would be in use after signing of the Contract, which means that the provisions would be valid for January this year as well, in case the Contract was signed until the end of the month. rm/km