[2] Silvano Hrelja was born in a small village of Hreljani near Žminj in Istria.

He finished Zagreb Electrical Engineering High School, after which he graduated from the Zagreb College of Occupational Safety and Health gaining professional title of engineer of safety at work and fire protection.

During this period, he became active in the Croatian Metal Workers Union (SMH), becoming the Commissioner of Trade Unions in Uljanik, and then regional and county commissioner of SMH for Istria.

At the 7th General Assembly of HSU that was held on March 14, 2008, he was elected President of the Party with votes of 169 out of 330 delegates.

In both terms, he supported Zoran Milanović (SDP) as candidate for the Prime Minister.