Skoda Auto unions refuse pay rise offered by management

Trade unions at the Skoda Auto car plant in Mlada Boleslav have refused the 13-percent pay rise offered to them by the management on Wednesday. They say they will go on strike on Tuesday. Skoda Auto offered workers a pay-rise of 10 percent, increased annual bonuses, plus inflation compensation, altogether increasing their wages by 13-percent, according to board member Martin Jahn. The unions have not made clear what the minimum increase they would accept is. President Vaclav Klaus has warned against substantial pay rises in the Czech Republic's largest company. During a visit on Thursday to another Skoda plant, he said it could have a negative impact on the whole economy.