Jurečka calls for renewed talks with unions over public sector pay

Labour Minister Marian Jurečka (Christian Democrats) will urge the government at todays cabinet meeting to hold another round of negotiations with trade unions on salaries in the public sector after talks earlier this month failed. The cabinet currently proposes a 5% rise in base pay from January, with 7% for the lowest-paid professions, while unions demand 7% and 13% respectively. Jurečka said he is recalculating further options and is ready to convene talks even without Prime Minister Petr Fiala (Civic Democrats). The dispute over pay growth, worth up to 10 billion crowns, must be settled as part of next year’s state budget.