Omiš fire: Government announces wage support for businesses affected by blaze

It has been 12 days since the catastrophic fire in Omiš, and the city is still assessing the damage and beginning the recovery. Initial estimates put the damage at around €110 million.

The Government has approved an aid package, while additional funds are being provided by other institutions and through public donations. The fire destroyed or severely damaged many small businesses, leaving some unable to operate or pay their workers.

Labor Minister Alen Ružić and Croatian Employment Service Director Ante Lončar were in Omiš on Wednesday to announce financial assistance for businesses unable to pay their employees.

“With respect to saving jobs, we have adopted specific measures under which all businesses in Omiš that are unable to operate will receive compensation for all of their full-time employees who were under contract on August 13, in the amount of their gross salaries, up to a maximum of €1,500, starting with the month of August,” Ružić said.

“We will contact all of these employers by the end of the week, and I don’t think there will be any problems with this. Of course, for workers who are on fixed-term contracts or are seasonal workers, we will offer the Bureau’s services to connect them with other employers or help them obtain financial assistance if they are eligible,” Lončar said.