Government and unions fail to seal pay rise deal, talks to continue

The Czech government and trade unions have not yet reached an agreement on public sector pay increases. Labour Minister Marian Jurečka said a new compromise proposal foresees a 5–6% rise in salary scales from January, and 9% for lower-paid professions and civil service. Union leader Josef Středula confirmed possible consensus on the 9% rise for the lowest-paid, but insisted on 6% for others. Employers and unions alike rejected the idea of a flat CZK 2,000 increase for all staff, calling it unfair. Talks will continue, with teachers and security forces covered by separate agreements.