Minister proposes targeted pay raises for lower-paid state employees

Czech Labor and Social Affairs Minister Marian Jurečka (Christian Democrats) announced plans to draft a proposal aimed at increasing the salaries of lower-paid state employees, rather than implementing a blanket pay rise. The government has already committed to raising the overall wage budget in the public sector by 8% starting in January 2025, amounting to over 24 billion CZK. Jurečka emphasized the need to prioritize those with low to middle incomes. The proposal will be discussed with union representatives after being finalized in the coming week. Czech unions threaten, strikes, and demonstrations if their demands are not met.