Transport strike postponed until Thursday

Czech labour unions have postponed a nationwide transport strike against the government's fiscal reforms until Thursday, June 16. Originally the strike was to have taken place on Monday but the unions backed down following a decision by the Prague Municipal Court at the weekend. The court ruled that organisers had failed to give necessary advance warning of three working days and banned the strike as a result.

Railway union head Jaroslav Pejsa said on Czech Television on Sunday that the strike, now moved to Thursday, will last a full 24 hours. The nationwide protest action is expected to paralyse public transport in Prague and other major cities and towns. Blockades in key areas of major highways and routes are also expected. The police force is preparing to monitor developments on the day to try and keep situations from getting out of hand and to keep traffic moving.

Author: Jan Velinger