Construction union to demonstrate for higher wages

The construction trade union Stavba has announced that it will hold a protest demonstration in Prague next Monday. The union is demanding a nominal year-on-year pay rise of six percent, as well as a guarantee of five weeks holiday. The union's leader Miroslav Jarolimek said the demands were realistic, in the light of the fact that the construction sector has seen a boom over the last two years.

The Association of Construction Companies says a demonstration will solve nothing and offered the trade unions to negotiate on their demands. Its General director, Miloslav Masek said a flat wage-hike was unacceptable for the industry. Each company is in a different situation and in his opinion, it should be up to the companies themselves to consider whether they could afford to pay their employees more or whether they can provide an extra week of holiday.