A draft law would expand the group eligible for asbestos compensation and provide €29,100. Former Salonit employees, however, object to an exclusion clause affecting people who received compensation in the past.
Why workers are protesting despite the proposed expansion
The Croatian government has introduced a bill intended to bring more former employees of asbestos-processing companies into a compensation scheme. Former Salonit workers from Vranjic welcome the objective but say a clause would exclude some of them yet again.
The dispute is not about whether any new payment is planned. It concerns whether people previously compensated for losing their jobs can also be recognised for years of asbestos exposure.
What the bill proposes
The proposal provides €29,100, paid in three annual instalments of €9,700 each. It would extend eligibility, among others, to employees exposed to asbestos for at least five years between 8 October 1991 and 14 February 2006.
Under certain conditions, heirs would also be able to assert a claim. Exact eligibility depends on employment dates, the company involved, available evidence and the final provisions adopted by parliament.
The disputed exclusion clause
Proposed Article 2a(4) excludes people who have already received compensation under Article 2 of the existing law. That earlier payment was linked to loss of employment.
The protesting employees argue that losing a job and hazardous asbestos exposure are two different forms of harm. Whether lawmakers accept that distinction or retain the exclusion remains politically unresolved.
No 90-day period is running yet
The proposal specifies a 90-day period for new applications after the law enters into force. On 3 September, however, the bill is still in the parliamentary process and is not current law.
The period therefore cannot yet expire or be missed. Only the final statutory text, its publication in Narodne novine and the date it enters into force will create a reliable basis for applications.
Documents that may matter later
Potential applicants should keep employment records, previous decisions, documents concerning their former employer and any evidence of inheritance in order. The documents actually required will become clear only from the enacted law and administrative procedure.
Health concerns should be assessed by a doctor regardless of any compensation claim. This article explains the legislative stage and is neither medical advice nor individual legal advice.
What will determine the next status
The next milestones are committee reports, the first reading, possible amendments and the final vote. The key question is whether the exclusion clause remains unchanged.
Until then, €29,100, three instalments and the 90-day period are elements of a government bill. They must not be presented as a benefit that has already been approved.
Evidence
Sources & date
Sources support the facts. Planning notes and recommendations are Golden Beach editorial assessments.
- P.Z. 324 – amendments to the law on compensation for employees of asbestos-processing companiesCroatian Parliament · at first-reading stage since 17 July 2026parliamentary stage and text of the bill
- Draft law P.Z. 324Croatian Parliament · 17 July 2026€29,100, three instalments, eligibility, exclusion clause and planned 90-day application period
- Government adopts proposals to expand the right to compensationCroatian Ministry of Environmental Protection and Green Transition · 16 July 2026government’s rationale and proposed expansion
- Salonit workers seek compensation for asbestos exposureHRT · 3 September 2026current protest and the position of former employees
