Unions to hold rallies on same day as public sector strike

Czech trade unions say they will hold rallies in 14 major cities across the country in support of a one-day strike by state employees on December 8. The strike is being held in protest at a 10-percent cut in the money allocated for public sector pay planned for next year. Prime Minister Petr Nečas reiterated on Wednesday that he would not give in to the unions, insisting the cuts must be made as part of a raft of measures aimed at balancing the Czech Republic’s budget by 2016. Police and fire officers, who are barred from striking, will join the rallies, while the unions have threatened more protests in the future.

Author: Ian Willoughby