Daily news summary
Government and union reps to meet to discuss wage increases in public sector
Government and union representatives are due to meet on Monday to discuss wage growth. The union umbrella organization ČMKOS is calling on the government to boost wages for teachers by 15 percent as of November and 10 percent for other public servants. The plan has the backing of Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka. The Ministry for Labour and Social Affairs has prepared three variants, including the one sought by labour leaders.
Car manufacture in Czech Republic furthest in Industry 4.0, ČTK reports
Automation and robotics and other elements of Industry 4.0 in the Czech Republic are reportedly being adopted fastest in the fields of car manufacturing and electronics. But the country still stands at the start of the 4th industrial revolution, according to a survey by the Czech News Agency; one problem is a lack of qualified personnel. A number of companies have taken steps to implement 4.0 elements not least during the summer holidays when some assembly lines stand silent. Besides the auto industry, other fields where "smart" elements are being introduced are pharmaceuticals and chemicals, Bohuslav Čížek of the Confederation of Industry in the Czech Republic confirmed.
American crushes competition in dumpling eating contest
Thirty-two-year old American Patrick Bertoletti, a pro in America's MLE (Major League Eating) known for being able to consume large amounts of ice cream, hot dogs, pizza, meat, and hot peppers was the hand-down winner in a similar competition in Vizovice in the Czech Republic for consuming the most plum dumplings. In an hour, he was able to gobble up 198; second and third place went to Czech competitors Kamil Hamerský and Radim Dvořáček, who ate 166 and 156 dumplings, respectively. Four or six would be considered a normal portion. The dumpling competition has been a tradition at the Trnkobraní festival in Vizovice for 45 years. Sealing his victory, Mr Bertoletti is quoted by news site iDnes as having said "I'm full."
Renovation of Grabštejn Castle complete, says local organizer
Funds from benefit concerts and other events at the site of Grabštejn Castle near the German and Polish borders in the region of Liberec, contributed significantly to its renovation over the last 25 years, opera singer and main organizer Luděk Vele told the Czech News Agency. He stressed that while the castle, described as a ruins years ago, had been saved by the state, benefit events had played a role. The historic site was saved at the cost of some 100 million crowns; 55 million crowns, Mr Vele said, had come from the Culture Ministry. Renovated at the site were statues, lighting, a church organ and chapel; a gallery was also added.
Prague Zoo welcomes millionth visitor
Prague Zoo welcomes its millionth visitor this season, three days later than in 2016 the zoo's Alena Šteffelová confirmed. 2016 was a record year for the zoo, with a total of 1,448,353 visitors - the most in its 85-year history. Ms Šteffelová said that good weather had contributed to the high number of visitors this year. The head of Prague Zoo, Miroslav Bobek, said the arrival of the millionth customer was always a special occasion.
Football: Čech, Arsenal, suffer first loss of season
Goalkeeper Petr Čech and Arsenal were handed an unexpected defeat by Stoke on Saturday - the Gunners' first loss of the season. Debutant Jese Rodriguez scored seconds into the second half, despite Arsenal otherwise dominating, with ball possession at 78 percent by the end of the match. The Gunners had one goal disallowed and trainer Arsene Wenger complained his club should also have been awarded a penalty. Arsenal had won their season opener against Leicester by a score of 4:3.
Weather
Monday is expected to be mostly cloudy with a chance of rain and some sunny periods. Daytime temperatures should reach highs of around 20 degrees Celsius.
