Trade unions criticize proposal to replace Civil Service Act

Trade unions have slammed a proposal by government MPs to replace the Civil Service Act with new legislation that would make it easier to dismiss civil servants, and have urged the government to reject it. Union leaders argue that the proposed changes, which would affect around 70,000 employees, lack a clear concept, were not discussed with unions and could threaten the functioning of public administration.

The Civil Service Act, which came into force in 2015, was intended to de-politicize public administration, a commitment the Czech Republic made before joining the EU. Four coalition MPs from ANO, SPD and the Motorists party are now seeking to replace it with a new law allowing faster downsizing of the state administration and simpler procedures. Under the proposed change, employment of civil servants would more closely resemble standard labour contracts under the Labour Code.