Public sector pay rises to cost up to CZK 28 billion, says labour minister

Public sector pay rises in Czechia are expected to cost between CZK 27 and CZK 28 billion, according to Labour and Social Affairs Minister Aleš Juchelka. Speaking on Czech Television on Sunday, he said individual ministries would have to cover the increases from their own budgets to avoid placing further strain on state finances. Salaries are set to rise from April.

Under a deal agreed between the government and trade unions on Friday, non-teaching school staff, cultural workers and civil servants will receive a nine-percent pay rise from April. Nurses and social care workers will see a five-percent increase, with an additional one percent paid in bonuses, while doctors and dentists are set to receive a two-percent rise. The government is expected to approve the measures on Monday, alongside the draft state budget for next year.