Unions threaten to protest against government’s plans

The main Czech trade unions body has threatened to protest against broad changes promised by the new cabinet. At a news conference on Friday, union leader Josef Středula said his organisation aimed to reach agreement with the government. However, if the unions’ arguments are not respected, they will take action, he said. Mr Středula said the first battle could be expected during the drafting of next year’s budget. The coalition government led by Prime Minister Petr Nečas has pledged to balance the country’s budget by 2016, and to reform the pension, health and university systems. Unions boss Jaroslav Zavadil said on Friday that its plans represented the strongest attack on the rights of Czech workers in 20 years.

Author: Ian Willoughby