# Zagreb public service worker strike dispute > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/zagreb-public-service-worker-strike-dispute > Updated: 2026-09-26T05:17:16.000Z. Sources: 37. Developments: 4. Unions representing approximately 9,200 workers at Zagrebački holding and ZET have confirmed a strike scheduled to begin on Monday, September 28, at 3:30 AM. The planned action is expected to last 3.5 hours. The strike follows the termination of formal mediation on September 10 regarding expired collective agreements. Unions are seeking increased base salaries—specifically 13 percent for ZET and 13 percent for Zagrebački holding—along with improved transport allowances and job complexity coefficients. ZET unions have also requested changes in systematization and increased severance pay. While management previously noted a discrepancy in the Holding demand, recent reports indicate both entities are now seeking a 13 percent increase. This follows a previous management offer of a 4.5 percent increase. Mayor Tomislav Tomašević has criticized the unions, claiming they have expanded their demands at the last minute and are seeking a strike ‘at any cost.’ He characterized the city’s current offer as “responsible and final,” noting that the city has offered a cumulative increase of 14 percent between 2026 and 2027. He added that the city will not pay for days spent on strike and noted that operational worker salaries have already risen by 60 to 85 percent over the last five years. He has described the current situation as “unprecedented in Croatia.” If the strike proceeds, ZET's trams and buses could cease operations entirely, and municipal services such as waste collection and green space maintenance may also be disrupted. While essential services—including transport for persons with disabilities, specialized school transport, emergency services, and waste collection for hospitals and schools—will continue, experts warn that a prolonged strike could lead to sanitary issues and waste accumulation. Local officials have advised citizens to work from home or arrange carpooling to mitigate expected traffic congestion. ## Claims - ZET workers are planning a strike scheduled to begin Monday at 3:30 AM if no agreement is reached. (corroborated by 20 sources) - Zagreb Holding workers are also announcing a strike, which could impact waste collection and street maintenance. (corroborated by 20 sources) - Mayor Tomislav Tomašević warned citizens of potential major traffic congestion and advised those able to work from home. (corroborated by 18 sources) - Unions for Zagreb Holding requested a 13 percent base salary increase, while ZET unions requested 13 percent. (corroborated by 10 sources) - Unions are demanding higher base salaries, improved coefficients, and new collective agreements. (corroborated by 8 sources) - During the Zagreb Holding strike, only essential services like waste collection from hospitals and schools will continue (corroborated by 5 sources) - The strike involves approximately 9,200 workers. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Average net earnings for workers in Zagrebački holding have increased by approximately 70 percent over the last five years. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The City of Zagreb will not pay for the organized strike. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The City of Zagreb released anonymized pay slips for ZET and Čistoća workers to clarify salary data. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The base salary in the affected companies is 592.20 euros. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-26: Zagreb workers to strike, threatening transport and waste services Approximately 9,200 ZET and Zagreb Holding workers will strike in Zagreb starting Monday at 3:30 AM over salary demands, threatening to disrupt public transport and waste collection services. 24 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/zagreb-faces-potential-strikes-in-public-transport-and-waste-services ### 2026-09-23: ZET and Zagrebački holding workers announce major strike in Zagreb Unions for ZET and Zagrebački holding in Zagreb have called a strike for September 28 over wage disputes, threatening city services. Meanwhile, Sarajevo's education union canceled its strike after a new deal. 16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sarajevo-canton-prime-minister-criticizes-union-leader-over-work-stoppage ### 2026-09-21: Zagreb unions threaten strike over ZET and Holding wages Unions for ZET and Zagrebački holding have threatened a strike on September 28 in Zagreb, demanding higher wages and better collective agreements, potentially disrupting city services. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/zagreb-transport-and-utility-workers-announce-strike ### 2026-09-18: Zagrebački holding and ZET unions announce strike for September 28 Unions at Zagrebački holding and ZET have announced a strike for September 28 following failed mediation over new collective agreements and salary increases. 13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/zagrebaki-holding-and-zet-unions-announce-strike-for-september-28 --- Cite as: Zagreb public service worker strike dispute. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/zagreb-public-service-worker-strike-dispute