Addressing reporters a day before the reform undergoes a second reading on the parliamentary committee, Vizjak described the talks as tough because trade unions favour measures designed to tackle market segmentation, and employers prioritise measures aimed at increasing flexibility of the labour market.

He said radical change was impossible because of the complexity of the negotiating process as it would provoke a "revolt" by one or the other side. The unions could block changes with a referendum, which would leave employers without tools to facilitate employment.

Hence the need to seek a balance between measures that would be acceptable to both sides, Vizjak said, voicing the confidence that the amendments filed by the coalition last Thursday based on the results of the negotiations would make such a balance possible.

He suggested that the conclusion of Monday's final round of talks ahead of the second reading was that the reform was ready for parliamentary debate and that an extension of negotiations was not necessary.

Vizjak meanwhile criticised the Citizens' List (DL) for sponsoring an amendment that would preserve the current system of fixed-term contracts, which has not been negotiated and angered trade unions.

He called on politicians to respect social dialogue, cautioning that reckless moves could provoke social partners and obstruct negotiations.

These will resume on Monday with the minister noting that the two sides still had time to near their positions at least until 26 February, the deadline for the filing of amendments for the plenary session of parliament.