Czech unions to meet with government to discuss public sector wage increases

Government and union representatives meet on Thursday to negotiate wage increases for public sector employees. Unions are seeking an 8% overall budget increase and a 10% rise in base salaries from January. The government, led by Finance Minister Zbyněk Stanjura (Civic Democratic Party), has proposed a 5% increase, which is included in the draft state budget. Talks were delayed due to recent floods. Unions want most of the increase directed to base salaries, while ministers suggest some funds should go toward performance-based bonuses, with more focus on lower-wage workers.